Nelson’s Milk Snake

Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum nelsoni

Order: (amphisbaenians, lizards and snakes)

Family: Colubridae (colubrids)

Conservation Status

About

The nelson’s milk snake is one of the 24 different subspecies of milk snakes. It varies through its different colors and patterns. The snake is normally solitary and nocturnal. However, they are more common during the day when the weather is cooler and the ground is wet. Nelson milk snakes have the ability to consume venomous species including other snakes.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: Creamsicle- 02/18/2004

Habitat & Range
Located throughout parts of Mexico to the Pacific Coast. They can be found by coastal brush and in tropical forests.
Identification
The nelson’s milk snake has 13 to 18 red bands on its body with thinner black and white rings. On average adults are 42 inches long.
Diet
The nelson’s milk snake will consume rodents, amphibians, lizards and other snakes.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Mating takes place in late spring and early summer. The female selects a nest site that is warm and humid and lays her clutch, which contains up to 15 eggs. Milk snakes are estimated to live 12 years in the wild and 15 to 20 years in captivity.
Fantastic Fact
Like other milk snakes, the nelson’s milk snake spends most of its time tucked away in burrows, logs or rock crevices.

Nelson’s Milk Snake

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact