Ecuadorian Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum micropholis
A tricolor South American milk snake subspecies from the tropical lowlands of Ecuador and neighboring countries.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.4 m (3.3-4.6 ft)
- Range
- Lowland Ecuador and neighboring Peru and Colombia
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Overview
The Ecuadorian Milk Snake is a lowland tropical subspecies within the milk snake complex, found in Ecuador and bordering regions of Peru and Colombia. It follows the general tricolor banding pattern shared by most milk snakes.
It inhabits humid tropical lowland forest, differing from the higher-elevation habitat used by some neighboring Andean milk snake subspecies.
How to identify it
- Red or orange-red bands bordered by black, separated by narrow white or cream rings
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small head not distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Moderately slender, elongated build
- Look-alikes: coral snakes and other regional milk snake subspecies; banding proportions and habitat context aid identification
Habitat & range
Found in humid tropical lowland forest of Ecuador and adjacent Peru and Colombia, sheltering in leaf litter, under logs, and in forest debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, becoming active at night to hunt in leaf litter and ground cover. A constrictor, it preys on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. Reproduction is oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ecuadorian Milk Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous.
Where is it found?
In lowland tropical forests of Ecuador and neighboring parts of Peru and Colombia.
What is its typical habitat?
Humid tropical lowland forest, unlike some related subspecies found at higher elevations.
What does it eat?
Small mammals, lizards, and other snakes.
Ecuadorian Milk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ecuadorian Milk Snake.
