Sinaloan Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloae)

 

 

The Sinaloan milk snake inhabits the dry, arid and rocky semi-desert regions in southwest Sonora, Sinaloa and southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico. They are often found during the day resting beneath loose rocks, in rock crevices or beneath cactus plants. In areas close to urbanization, they are also found in barns and under piles of wood.   In generally these snakes populate grasslands, old pastures and fields.

The Sinaloan milk snake is predominantly blood red with distinct rings or bands of black which have thinner cream-colored or yellowish bands within the black bands.   The Sinaloan milk snake is easily distinguished from other species because of the very broad bands of red which are wider than in most other species (three times the width of the black bands). The head is black with a thin yellowish or cream-colored band just behind the eyes across the top of the head. The belly is yellowish or creamy white. Fully grown adults can reach a length of approx. 36 to 48 inches or more in some cases.

These snake have are not venomous and have a reputation for being very docile.   These attributes make them a popular snake for a pet.   However, as a defensive mechanism they will discharge a pungent smelling exudate from the cloaca as a warning.

Sinaloan milk snake is a opportunistic and nocturnal predator and feeds after dark and at night. Although their primary source for prey are rodents, they also prey on a variety of other animals including rodent eggs, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

 

Information courtesy of wikipedia.org, reptilechannel.com

Photo courtesy of 163.238.8.180