Lavender California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis californiae, more commonly known as the California kingsnake, is a non-venomous snake of the colubrid family (the largest family of snakes). Mostly found in the western region of the United States of America, and the northern region of Mexico. California Kingsnake is one of the most common snakes kept in captivity because of its broad variety of colour variations and ease of maintenance. In this article, we will learn about the Californian lavender kingsnakes, their habits, diet, behaviour and many interesting facts about them.

Description

A Lavender Kingsnake, as its name suggests, has a lavender or purplish color and white or cream bands that run the length of its body. The length of a lavender kingsnake can reach up to three feet, though it has grown more. Instead of bands, they could also have longitudinal stripes. Most lavender kingsnakes live up to fifteen years, and with proper care, they can even live up to twenty years. Stripes or bands of lavender kingsnakes are vital to their survival because they help the snakes' bodies blend in with their surroundings and evade predators such as hawks, eagles, coyotes, skunks, foxes, bobcats, and other kingsnakes.

Habitat

In California, lavender kingsnakes are mostly found on the West Coast of North America, reaching elevations of about 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) in the southeast Sierra Nevada Mountains and about 6,100 feet (1,900 meters) in the Tehachapi Mountains. They can also be found in chaparral, oak forests, meadows, marshes, deserts, and even residential areas. These snakes prefer rather warm temperatures and are usually found in regions with a Mediterranean environment, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Geographically, they are spread over Southern California, including San Diego County's coastal areas, portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and extending into Baja California, Mexico. The ideal environment for these snakes is 80-84°F temperature with 35-60% humidity, but it may vary based on the snake's biological condition. For example, they prefer even warmer temperatures for reproduction, and more humidity during the shedding process.

Diet

When hungry, a Californian lavender kingsnake can eat anything it can find. They frequently eat rodents, birds, other reptiles, and amphibians. The word "king" in their name is because they prefer hunting and eating other snakes, particularly rattlesnakes because lavender kingsnakes are inherently immune to rattlesnake venom. These kingsnakes are the strongest constrictors relative to their body size; they are non-venomous and kill animals by constriction.

Behaviour

As a cathemeral species of snake, lavender kingsnakes can be active during both day and night, depending on the surrounding climate. These kingsnakes can make noises similar to that of rattlesnakes when they are startled. They will frequently roll their bodies into a ball to conceal their heads, hiss, and rattle their tails. Their tails tend to twitch when they are anxious. Although lavender kingsnake is thought to be safe to people, it is typical for them to bite and expel faeces and scent from their cloaca when touched. Additionally, it is typical for the snake to release a musky stench in response to perceived threats. Lavender kingsnake are solitary creatures, but they congregate during mating season or brumation.

During the winter, lavender Kingsnakes, like many other reptiles and amphibians, brumate in order to preserve energy and control their body temperature. Different from hibernating, as animals with warm blood would do. In brumation, snakes cease eating to slow down their metabolism when the temperature drops, and search for a location underground to shelter from temperature fluctuations above the surface.

Lavender kingsnakes do not feed or excrete during brumation, however they will sometimes wake up to drink water. They also frequently burrow beneath plants or other coverings to maintain their body temperature; conversely, they prefer to bask in the sun to raise their body temperature.

Reproduction

California lavender kingsnakes are oviparous animals, meaning they lay eggs instead of giving birth. Male lavender kingsnakes compete with one another to attract females as a form of courtship. Their mating season starts in the spring, usually following their hibernation or first shedding. When a lavender king snake is engaged in combat with another male, it will latch onto the other male and bite it in an attempt to establish supremacy. Male lavender kingsnake starts the mating ritual by violently vibrating. Usually 42-63 days after mating, eggs are laid between May and August. Female lavender kingsnake selects suitable spots for laying eggs before mating.

Usually, a Californian lavender kingsnake lays 9 to 12 eggs at a time. Sometimes this number may increase to up to 20 eggs. The hatchlings, which are between eight and thirteen inches long, often come out 40-65 days later. After around a week in their nest, newly hatched kingsnakes finally shed their first layer of skin and leave the nest.

In Captivity

Because of their docile nature, interesting look, and ease of care, lavender kingsnakes are among the most popular pet reptiles. In their native state of California, wild lavender kingsnakes are technically prohibited from being sold without specific authorization. The reason for these strict rules is legislation that forbids the selling of native Californian species over state lines.

Because they are cold-blooded, lavender kingsnakes thermoregulate in the wild, moving to warmer climates when necessary. Since they are unable to do so when in captivity, most lavender kingsnake owners utilize heating pads, lamps, and temperature controls in their homes to maintain the body temperature of their pets. For captivity, temperatures in the range of 70°F to 85°F are suitable for kingsnakes.

Conclusion

The Lavender Californian Kingsnake is a non-venomous snake of the colubrid family. It has a lavender or purplish color and white or cream bands that run the length of its body. As a cathemeral species of snake, lavender kingsnakes can be active during both day and night, depending on the surrounding climate. Because of their docile nature, interesting look, and ease of care, lavender kingsnakes are among the most popular pet reptiles.