View source for Pueblan milk snake

{{Short description|Subspecies of snake}}
{{Subspeciesbox
| name               = Pueblan milk snake
| image              = Milk Snake P9240112.JPG
| image_caption      = Pueblan milk snake
| genus              = Lampropeltis
| species            = triangulum
| species_link       = Milk snake
| subspecies         = campbelli
| authority          = [[H.R. Quinn|Quinn]], 1983<ref name="Quinn">{{cite journal | last = Quinn | first = Hugh R. | author-link = Hugh R. Quinn | title = Two new subspecies of Lampropeltis triangulum from México | journal = Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science| volume = 85| issue = 4| pages = 113–135|  year = 1983 | doi=10.2307/3628164| jstor = 3628164 }}</ref>
}}
'''''Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli''''', commonly known as the '''Pueblan milk snake''' or '''Campbell's milk snake''', is an [[egg (biology)|egg]]-laying [[subspecies]] of non-venomous [[colubrid]] [[snake]]. It is commonly [[captive breeding|bred]] in captivity and is found in several color variations.  When handled, it can discharge a pungent-smelling exudate from its [[cloaca]] as a presumed defense mechanism.
==Taxonomy==
The [[genus|generic]] name (''[[Lampropeltis]]'') is derived from the [[Ancient Greek]] ''lamprós''&nbsp;(λαμπρος) meaning "bright" and ''peltas''&nbsp;(πελτας) meaning "shield", after the sheen of their scales. Members of the Lampropeltis genus are closely related to the Pantherophis genus (Corn and Rat snakes).<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | url=https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.b.22684 | doi=10.1002/jez.b.22684 | title=Fetal Membrane Ultrastructure and Development in the Oviparous Milksnake ''Lampropeltis triangulum'' (Colubridae) with Reference to Function and Evolution in Snakes | date=2016 | last1=Kim | first1=Young K. | last2=Blackburn | first2=Daniel G. | journal=Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution | volume=326 | issue=5 | pages=290–302 | pmid=27373551 | bibcode=2016JEZB..326..290K }}</ref> Its [[Specific name (zoology)|specific name]] (''triangulum'') is [[Latin]] for "triangle" and refers to the three colours found on the scales of the species (red, black, and yellow).  Its subspecific name, ''campbelli'', is a Latinization of the last name of American [[herpetologist]] Jonathan A. Campbell.<ref name="Quinn"/><ref name="Liner">{{cite book | last = Liner| first = Ernest A. | author-link = Ernest A. Liner|  title = Scientific and Common Names for the Amphibians and Reptiles of Mexico in English and Spanish, 1st Ed.  | publisher = Society for the Study of Amphibians & Reptiles| year = 1994 |  pages =113 | isbn = 978-0-916984-32-8   }}</ref>
== Description ==
The Pueblan milk snake has a tri-color pattern of red, black, and white bands. Adult Pueblan milk snakes reach lengths of 36 to 48 inches.<ref name="bartlett">{{cite book | last = Bartlett| first = Richard D.| author-link = Richard D. Bartlett|  title = Milksnakes and Tricolored Kingsnakes  | publisher = New Holland Publishers Ltd| year = 2000 |  pages =48 | isbn =978-0-7641-1128-0   }}</ref>  The Pueblan milk snake has a resemblance to the [[coral snake]] and this similarity in colour, known as [[Batesian mimicry]], helps protect the snake from potential predators.<ref name="OSHEA">{{cite book | last = O'Shea| first = Mark | author-link = Mark O'Shea (herpetologist)|  title = Venomous Snakes of the World  | publisher = New Holland Publishers Ltd| year = 2008 |  pages =160 | isbn =978-1-84773-086-2  }}</ref> They can be distinguished from other subspecies due to wide white bands, and frequent black tipping over the red bands. Also, the red in campbelli tends to be especially vibrant and bright compared to other subspecies. Non-morph Pueblan milk snakes always have pure white coloration on their light bands, save for some black speckling.
==Geographic distribution==
The Pueblan milk snake is found in southern [[Puebla]], eastern [[Morelos]] and northern [[Oaxaca]], [[Mexico]].
==Behaviour==
Pueblan milk snakes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They tend to be flighty and nervous when disturbed by humans. They rarely bite unless provoked a large amount.
== Diet ==
Pueblan milk snakes will feed on anything they can overpower. They will consume prey such as [[mouse|mice]], [[rat]]s, [[bird]]s, [[lizard]]s, [[frog]]s, and other [[snake]]s, including [[venom (poison)|venomous]] [[snakes]].<ref name="Love">{{cite book| last = Love| first = Bill| title = World's Most Spectacular Reptiles and Amphibians| publisher = Carmichael & Carmichael| year = 1997| pages = [https://archive.org/details/worldsmostspecta00lama_0/page/208 208]| isbn = 978-1-884942-06-8| url-access = registration| url = https://archive.org/details/worldsmostspecta00lama_0/page/208}}</ref>
== In captivity ==
Pueblan milk snakes adapt well in captivity if kept between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a night time temperature drop of 5 to 10 degrees. Temperature control is important, as it maintains the animal's feeding response and digestion. Cages should be escape proof, and fresh water provided at all times. A hide box is necessary, since Pueblans are more comfortable in confined spaces. [[King snake]]s and milk snakes must be housed separately (except during the breeding season) because they are [[cannibalism|cannibalistic]]. Pueblan milk snakes are widely bred and very affordable, likely being the most common subspecies in captivity.
They can be flighty and will typically [[defecate]] when initially handled, though they will rarely bite. They become more docile with regular handling.<ref name="bartlett"/>
== Reproduction ==
Pueblan milk snakes [[brumation|brumate]] for a period of 3–4 months from November through early March emerging to mate at the end of this time period. Females are triggered in this way to ovulate and produce a [[pheromone]] trail which the males follow. Pueblan milk snakes are oviparous and lay a clutch of eggs.<ref name=":0" /> The female lays 2-15 eggs 30 days after mating. The juveniles hatch 2 months (55–60 days) later.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1940648}}
[[Category:Lampropeltis]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Mexico]]