New Mexico Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum celaenops
A tricolor milk snake subspecies of the arid Southwest, with vivid red, black, and white banding across a slender body.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- New Mexico, western Texas, and southeastern Arizona, USA
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Overview
The New Mexico Milk Snake is a subspecies adapted to arid and semi-arid habitats of the American Southwest, including New Mexico, western Texas, and parts of Arizona. It exhibits the classic tricolor mimicry pattern shared throughout the milk snake complex.
It is a secretive, mostly nocturnal snake often associated with rocky desert terrain and grassland transition zones.
How to identify it
- Red bands bordered by black, separated by white or cream rings
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small head not distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Slender, cylindrical body
- Look-alikes: coral snakes (though absent from much of its range) and other milk snake subspecies; banding pattern and desert habitat context aid identification
Habitat & range
Found in desert grassland, rocky canyons, and arid scrubland across New Mexico, western Texas, and southeastern Arizona. It shelters under rocks and in rodent burrows.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, especially active during warm summer nights to avoid daytime heat. A constrictor, it feeds on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. Females lay eggs in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the New Mexico Milk Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous.
Where does it live?
In arid regions of New Mexico, western Texas, and southeastern Arizona.
What habitat does it prefer?
Desert grassland and rocky canyon terrain.
What does it eat?
Small mammals, lizards, and other snakes.
New Mexico Milk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding New Mexico Milk Snake.
