California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis californiae
The California Kingsnake is a bold, active colubrid native to the western United States and northern Mexico, found in habitats ranging from coastal scrub and grasslands to deserts and mountain forests. They are best known for their striking banded or striped patterns of black or brown alternating with white, yellow, or cream, and a wide variety of selectively bred morphs — including lavender, banana, and chocolate — are available in the hobby. Kingsnakes earn the "king" in their name from their natural resistance to pit viper venom and their willingness to prey on other snakes in the wild, including rattlesnakes. In captivity, they are enthusiastic feeders that rarely refuse a meal, making them one of the least frustrating snakes to maintain nutritionally. Adults typically reach three to four feet in length and can be housed comfortably in a standard 40-gallon enclosure. Their hardiness, manageable size, and eye-catching appearance have made them a staple beginner snake for decades.
Habitat
Coastal scrub, grasslands, deserts, and woodland
Diet
Rodents (mice and small rats)
Lifespan
15–20 years
Difficulty
intermediate
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your California Kingsnake.
Accessories
Zoo Med Analog Reptile Thermometer and Humidity Gauge Combo
A dual thermometer-hygrometer for monitoring the warm and cool side temperatures across your California Kingsnake enclosure at a glance.
Exo Terra Reptile Water Dish Medium
A stable, low-profile water dish heavy enough to resist tipping by an active California Kingsnake, providing constant access to fresh drinking water.
Exo Terra Snake Cave Medium
A snug, naturalistic hide that fits the body of an adult California Kingsnake, providing the tight-fitting retreat snakes prefer to feel protected.
Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3-in-1 Cave Medium
A versatile three-in-one hide providing warm, cool, and humid retreat options that California Kingsnakes need to feel secure and shed properly.
Enclosures
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 36x18x12
A wide, low-profile front-opening terrarium that provides the floor space a California Kingsnake needs to roam, with secure dual-latch doors to prevent escapes from this notoriously crafty species.
REPTI ZOO 40 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium
A 40-gallon front-opening glass enclosure with tight-fitting doors and a screen top, providing secure housing for an adult California Kingsnake with excellent visibility.
Zen Habitats 4x2x2 PVC Panel Reptile Enclosure
A spacious PVC enclosure that holds heat and humidity well while providing escape-proof housing for an active California Kingsnake that loves to explore every corner.
Sterilite 110 Quart Gasket Box
A budget-friendly, escape-proof plastic tub with a locking gasket lid that many experienced kingsnake breeders prefer for its simplicity and security.
Food
Reptilinks Chicken and Frog Micro Links 3 oz
A sausage-style alternative prey item that can add dietary variety for California Kingsnakes and is especially useful for picky eaters transitioning to frozen-thawed.
MiceDirect Frozen Hopper Mice 50 Pack
A bulk pack of frozen hopper mice perfect for sub-adult California Kingsnakes, these enthusiastic feeders rarely refuse an appropriately sized meal.
MiceDirect Frozen Adult Mice 25 Pack
Frozen adult mice ideal for grown California Kingsnakes, providing a complete nutritional meal that can be offered every 7–10 days.
Layne Labs Frozen Mice Small 25 Pack
Appropriately sized frozen small mice for juvenile California Kingsnakes, individually packed for convenient single-feeding thawing.
Heating
Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater Medium
An adhesive under-tank heater that creates a warm-side belly heat zone of 85–90°F, essential for proper digestion in California Kingsnakes after they consume a meal.
Philips 50W Halogen Flood Bulb
A simple halogen bulb that creates a gentle basking spot on the warm end of the enclosure, allowing your California Kingsnake to thermoregulate naturally.
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller
An essential thermostat to regulate heating elements and maintain the 75–85°F gradient California Kingsnakes thrive in, preventing dangerous overheating.
Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 60W
A lightless ceramic heat emitter for maintaining safe nighttime ambient temperatures without disrupting the California Kingsnake's natural day-night cycle.
Lighting
Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 Kit UVB 7%
A low-output UVB kit that provides beneficial ultraviolet light for a California Kingsnake, supporting natural behavior and vitamin D3 synthesis without intense desert-level output.
BN-LINK 24 Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer
A reliable plug-in timer to automate a consistent 12-hour photoperiod for your California Kingsnake enclosure, supporting natural circadian rhythms.
Zoo Med Nano LED 5W
A compact LED that establishes a clear day-night cycle for your California Kingsnake without adding significant heat to the enclosure.
Zoo Med Daylight Blue Reptile Bulb 60W
A daytime light bulb that provides a gentle photoperiod and subtle warmth for your California Kingsnake, simulating natural daylight conditions.
Substrate
Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss 80 Cubic Inches
Long-fiber sphagnum moss that can be placed inside the humid hide to create a moist shedding aid for your California Kingsnake during its regular shed cycles.
Kaytee Aspen Bedding 3200 Cubic Inches
A large bulk bag of kiln-dried aspen shavings that provides months of clean, dust-free substrate for your California Kingsnake at an economical price.
Zoo Med Forest Floor Cypress Mulch 24 Quart
A natural cypress mulch alternative that holds slightly more humidity than aspen, suitable for California Kingsnakes in drier climates needing a moderate moisture boost.
Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding 24 Quart
The most popular substrate for California Kingsnakes, this shredded aspen allows natural burrowing behavior while staying dry and easy to spot-clean.
Zoo Med Analog Reptile Thermometer and Humidity Gauge Combo