Louisiana Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum amaura
A small tricolor milk snake subspecies from the Gulf Coast region, featuring vivid red, black, and yellow-white banding.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.7-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Southern United States (Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi)
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Overview
The Louisiana Milk Snake is a smaller subspecies of the milk snake complex found across the Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. It exhibits the typical tricolor mimicry pattern associated with milk snakes throughout their range.
It is a secretive, burrowing species often found near sandy or loose soils that facilitate its fossorial habits.
How to identify it
- Narrow red bands bordered by black, separated by yellow or white rings
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small, rounded head not distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Slender, small-bodied build
- Look-alikes: coral snakes and other milk snake subspecies; smaller adult size and narrower banding assist identification
Habitat & range
Found in sandy woodlands, prairies, and agricultural fields across the Gulf Coast region. It shelters under logs, rocks, and leaf litter, and burrows into loose soil.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and secretive, rarely seen on the surface during the day. A constrictor, it preys on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. Females lay eggs in summer in concealed, moist sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Louisiana Milk Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous.
Where is it found?
In Gulf Coast states including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
How big does it get?
It is one of the smaller milk snake subspecies, typically under 0.8 m (2.6 ft).
What does it eat?
Small mammals, lizards, and other snakes.
Louisiana Milk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Louisiana Milk Snake.
