Reptile · Kingsnake & milksnake
Mole kingsnake care guide
Lampropeltis rhombomaculata
The mole kingsnake is a intermediate-level kingsnake & milksnake from SE United States. Adults reach 75–100 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. A secretive burrower; give deep substrate and tight hides. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a mole kingsnake cost in Canada?
Mole kingsnake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 75–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- SE United States
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Mole kingsnake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a mole kingsnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days; juveniles may need lizard scent.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and secretive but rarely bites.
Health watch: Watch for hatchling feeding refusal and stuck sheds.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a mole kingsnake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Mole kingsnake FAQ
Is the mole kingsnake good for beginners?
The mole kingsnake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy and secretive but rarely bites.
What size enclosure does a mole kingsnake need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a mole kingsnake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $590–1090 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mole kingsnake need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a mole kingsnake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days; juveniles may need lizard scent.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.