Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum
A boldly banded, harmless colubrid known for mimicking the warning colors of venomous coral snakes across much of its range.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.3 m (2-4 ft)
- Range
- North and Central America
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Overview
The milk snake is a wide-ranging, highly variable species with dozens of recognized subspecies, some of which display striking red, black, and white or yellow banding reminiscent of venomous coral snakes. This resemblance is a classic example of Batesian mimicry, deterring predators despite the milk snake being entirely nonvenomous.
Its common name stems from an old folk myth that the snake milks cows, a belief with no basis in its actual biology or diet.
How to identify it
- Smooth, glossy scales with alternating bands of red, black, and white or yellowish bands, varying by subspecies
- Rounded, non-triangular head and round pupils
- In coral snake mimics, red bands touch black bands rather than yellow, following the 'red touches black' rule in most of its range
- Slender to moderately stout build depending on subspecies
- Distinguished from venomous coral snakes by round pupils and lack of fixed front fangs
Habitat & range
Occupies an enormous range of habitats including forests, grasslands, farmland, rocky hillsides, and suburban areas from southeastern Canada through the United States into Mexico and Central America. Often found under logs, rocks, and debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and secretive, spending days hidden under cover. Feeds on rodents, other snakes, lizards, and occasionally bird eggs. An egg-laying species, with females depositing clutches in concealed, moist locations.
Frequently asked questions
Are milk snakes venomous?
No, milk snakes are completely nonvenomous.
How do you tell a milk snake from a coral snake?
Milk snakes have round pupils and, in most regions, red bands bordered by black rather than yellow.
Why is it called a milk snake?
From an old folk myth that it milks cows, which is not true.
What do milk snakes eat?
Rodents, other snakes, lizards, and occasionally eggs.
Milk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Milk Snake.
