10/02/2025
Lampropeltis triangulum gaigeae; the costa rican black milk snake.
Costa rican black milk snakes; these snakes are commonly referred to in herptoculture as "black milks"so for times sake that's what we'll be referring to them as today. Black milks are unique for a lampropeltis in 1. Their size and 2. Their color.
Black milks undergo a process called "ontogenetic color change" this means these animals look completely different as neonates as they do to the adults, this can be for many reasons, but likely in this animals case it is to mimic the costa rican coral snake. Many animals do this; indigo snakes, bull snakes, coachwhips, Chinese king rat snakes, black pine snakes and many others. One of the most similar instances are in North american black racers, black racers young are born looking similar to dusky pygmy rattlesnakes as a survival tactic. This is referred to as Batesian mimicry. Named after Henry Walter bates this evolutionary term is a deceptive evolution strategy where non venomous/toxic animals use similar colors to confuse predators. The neonates of these animals also display Aposematic coloration. Nature tends to relate bright colors to toxins so it's only natural for species to pick up on this while selecting their paint jobs!
Back to the black milks! Black milks are fantastic snakes to work with! These snakes are your typical milk snake/king snake/lampropeltis/new world colubrid care. Terrestrial enclosure with moderate humidity, moderate temperature, places to hide, plenty of clutter and boy oh boy do these guys eat! Black milk snakes are one of the largest lampropeltis triangulum species. These animals can reach well over 7 feet, with their beautiful iridescent scales and easy going attitudes these animals are some real head turners. Black milks are not very commonly found so if you want a chance to work with these amazing animals head over to 4974 Darrow road in stow, Animal Jungle Pet Shop
