Nelson's Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum nelsoni
A boldly banded milk snake subspecies from western Mexico, featuring wide red bands and narrow black-and-white borders.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft)
- Range
- Western Mexico (Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco)
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Overview
Nelson's Milk Snake is a Mexican subspecies of the widespread milk snake complex, notable for its broad red saddles that dominate the pattern compared to the narrower black and white bands. It occurs in the tropical and subtropical lowlands of western Mexico.
Like other milk snakes, its vivid coloration is thought to serve as coral snake mimicry, deterring predators despite its harmlessness.
How to identify it
- Wide red or orange-red bands separated by narrow black and white/cream rings
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small, rounded head not distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Moderately slender build
- Look-alikes: coral snakes and other milk snake subspecies; band width proportions help distinguish this subspecies
Habitat & range
Inhabits tropical deciduous forest, thorn scrub, and adjacent agricultural areas in the lowlands of western Mexico. It shelters under rocks, logs, and leaf litter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Mainly nocturnal, becoming active during cooler evening and nighttime hours to avoid daytime heat. A constrictor, it preys on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. It lays eggs during the wet season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nelson's Milk Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous.
Where is it found?
It occurs in western Mexican states including Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco.
Why does it have such bright red bands?
Its coloration is believed to mimic venomous coral snakes as a defensive strategy.
What does it eat?
Small mammals, lizards, and other snakes.
Nelson's Milk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Nelson's Milk Snake.
