Guatemalan Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum abnorma
A vividly banded milk snake subspecies from southern Mexico and Guatemala, known for its bold red, black, and yellow tricolor pattern.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Southern Mexico through Guatemala and Belize
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Overview
The Guatemalan Milk Snake is a Central American subspecies within the milk snake complex, occurring from southern Mexico through Guatemala and Belize. It displays the vivid tricolor banding characteristic of many milk snakes in this region.
It inhabits tropical lowland and foothill forests, where its coloration may provide protective mimicry of venomous coral snakes sharing its range.
How to identify it
- Bold red or orange bands bordered by black, separated by yellow or cream rings
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small, rounded head not distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Moderately robust body build
- Look-alikes: coral snakes and other Central American milk snake subspecies; banding pattern and locality help distinguish this form
Habitat & range
Inhabits tropical lowland and foothill forests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, sheltering under logs, leaf litter, and forest debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, hunting at night in forest leaf litter and ground cover. A constrictor, it preys on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. Reproduction is oviparous, with eggs laid in humid, concealed sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Guatemalan Milk Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous.
Where is it found?
In southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.
Why does it resemble a coral snake?
Its bold tricolor banding is thought to mimic venomous coral snakes as a defensive adaptation.
What does it eat?
Small mammals, lizards, and other snakes.
Guatemalan Milk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Guatemalan Milk Snake.
