Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Colubridae | |
The Thayeri kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri), also known as the Nuevo Leon kingsnake, is a nonvenomous snake belonging to the family Colubridae. The Thayeri kingsnake is a subspecies of the mexicana group of the Lampropeltis genus. The Thayeri kingsnake is endemic to the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateaus in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Thayer's kingsnake is known for producing offspring displaying three main variable phases within the same clutch from similar coloured patterned parents.
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Range
The Thayeri kingsnake is found on the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateaus in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Behavior
The behaviour of the Thayeri kingsnake is similar to many of the other kingsnake species. The Thayei kingsnake is typically non-aggressive and reclusive and does well in captivity. The Thayeri kingsnake requires a hiding place at all times and often prefers to hide in such
Diet
The Thayeri kingsnake kills its prey by constriction and prefers a diet of lizards in the wild although they have been known to feed on rodents, frogs, and fellow snakes. In captivity Thayeri kingsnakes can be weaned onto rodents as their main food source.
Reproduction
Thayer's kingsnakes are oviparous typically laying between 6–14 eggs up to twice per year. Like many other colubrids Thayer's kingsnakes usually mate in early spring following a winter cooling period.