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Imported species record

Source review pending · not a care recommendation

California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis californiae · Colubridae

This page preserves an imported legacy dataset record for discovery. Values below are unverified and must not be treated as a ReptBase source-audited husbandry recommendation.

Read the imported record Open a source-audited guide
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) transparent cutout

01 / Imported record summary

Legacy dataset reference only

Imported reference. Source review pending. Do not treat this page as a complete care recommendation. The imported legacy record has not completed a ReptBase section-level source audit.

The imported legacy record states: California kingsnakes are slender, active colubrids native to California and the American Southwest. They are famous for their immunity to pit viper venom and their habit of eating other snakes in the wild. In captivity they are excellent pets — hardy, feeding well on frozen-thawed mice, and available in many color morphs.

Imported native region: Western North America (unverified)

02 / Recorded values

Recorded legacy values

Recorded legacy values below are imported and unverified. They are not ReptBase recommendations.

Imported care-level label
beginner unverified
Imported adult size
Up to 120 cm unverified
Imported lifespan
About 20 years unverified
Imported diet type
carnivore unverified
Imported habitat pattern
temperate unverified
Family
Colubridae
Imported enclosure dimensions
120 x 45 x 45 cmImported · unverified · length x width x height
Imported ambient band
72-80°FImported · unverified
Imported basking surface
85-90°FImported · unverified
Imported humidity band
40-60% RHImported · unverified

The imported legacy record states (enclosure): Very active and known escape artists. Ensure the enclosure is very secure with locking lids.

The imported legacy record states (diet): Opportunistic feeders. In the wild, they eat other snakes, including rattlesnakes.

The imported legacy record states (behavior): Very hardy and tolerant of handling. May 'rattle' their tail in substrate when nervous.

The imported legacy record states (social): Cannibalistic. Must be housed alone.

Foods listed in the old dataset imported · unverified

  • Mice (appropriately sized)

Signs listed in the imported record

  • Clear eyes
  • Active tongue flicking
  • Strong muscle tone
  • Smooth scales

Imported · unverified

Concern signs listed in the imported record

  • Lethargy
  • Wheezing
  • Regurgitation
  • Weight loss

Imported · unverified · not a diagnosis

03 / What has not been verified

This value has not yet completed a ReptBase source audit

  • Enclosure minimums and product recommendations
  • Heating, UVB, humidity and substrate protocols
  • Feeding ratios, schedules and supplementation claims
  • Social-housing claims
  • Health lists as diagnostic guidance
  • Setup-cost figures as live market prices

Do not treat this as a complete care recommendation.

04 / Questions to verify before using the record

Check before acting on any imported value

  • Which primary sources support this enclosure size for the adult animal?
  • Have heat, UVB and humidity been measured in a comparable enclosure?
  • Does a reptile-experienced veterinarian agree the listed signs are actionable?
  • Are diet notes current for the life stage you are planning for?
  • Is a source-audited ReptBase guide available for a better-supported alternative?

05 / General measurement and veterinary safety note

Measure conditions. Seek veterinary care when needed.

Outdoor climate and imported bands do not set enclosure targets. Enclosure dimensions, materials, ventilation, heat-source distance, thermostat control and measured warm/cool sides change every decision.

This is not a diagnosis. Sudden weakness, breathing difficulty, seizures, major injury or collapse warrants urgent contact with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.

06 / Editorial status

Imported species record

Current statusImported species record
Detailed source reviewPending
Page typeSpecies record · not a care recommendation

Care by location

California Kingsnake care profiles by city

Seasonal setup-pressure estimates for each recorded city. Each profile links the species range to outdoor normals and is a planning aid, not a recommendation.