Description
- Common Name: Ruthvens or Queretaro King Snake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis ruthveni
- Locality/Morph: Albino
- Sex: Unknown
- Age: 2025
- Source: Captive bred in UK
- Native Range: Central Mexico
- Natural Habitat: Semi-arid scrubland, dry forests, and rocky grasslands with scattered vegetation
- Diet: Rodents and small vertebrates (captive diet: defrosted mice)
- Basking Temperature: 29–31°C
- Ambient Temperature: 24–27°C (night drop to ~21°C)
- Average Adult Size: 90–120 cm (occasionally up to 130 cm)
The Ruthven’s King Snake (Lampropeltis ruthveni) is often mistaken for the very recognisable and widely kept milk snake species. However the Ruthven’s King is not as nearly as common but no less a perfect pet. Native to the semi-arid highlands of central Mexico, this hardy and adaptable snake has long been a favorite in herpetoculture due to its striking appearance, moderate size, and docile nature once settled. Its bold coloration mimics that of venomous coral snakes—a classic example of Batesian mimicry that deters predators in the wild.
In nature, L. ruthveni inhabits dry grasslands and scrubby woodlands, often sheltering beneath rocks, logs, or in rodent burrows during the heat of the day. They are primarily crepuscular to nocturnal hunters, feeding on small mammals, lizards, and other reptiles. Their secretive habits and tolerance for a range of temperatures make them well-suited to captive life.
In captivity, the Ruthvens King Snake thrives in a secure terrestrial enclosure with good floor space, as they are active and curious explorers. A loose, dry substrate such as aspen or a soil/sand mix works well, complemented by multiple hides, branches, and décor for environmental enrichment. Humidity should be kept moderate (40–60%) with access to a shallow water bowl for drinking and occasional soaking.
Provide an ambient temperature of 24–27°C with a basking spot around 30–31°C, and a slight nighttime drop to mimic natural conditions. They do not require UVB lighting, though a consistent light cycle supports natural behaviour and feeding rhythms.
Feeding is straightforward, as Ruthven’s King Snakes are enthusiastic feeders that readily accept defrosted mice every 7–10 days. Like other milk snakes, they may be shy at first but typically become calm and tolerant of handling with regular interaction.
Livestock Delivery:
Livestock is delivered in our own heated reptile courier vans. Delivery time from ordering will depend on your location and when we next have a van in your area, this will usually be a maximum of 2 weeks. You will receive a date and time slot by phone or email, so please ensure you enter these correctly at checkout. Delivery fee for livestock depends on location, prices start at £45. Livestock orders over £500 (+VAT) are delivered free of charge.
Livestock Sale Terms:
If multiple animals are in stock then not all will be pictured, so the photo above may not be exact animal available.
All prices are per individual unless otherwise stated. All livestock is subject to availability, whilst we try to keep the website as up to date as possible errors may happen, in this situation you will be contacted to arrange a refund/alternative.
Errors can happen with sexing and morph identification. Should this be discovered before leaving us you are entitled to a refund. After the animal leaves us it is the customers responsibility to inform us within 48 hours of the animals arrival. Failing to do so may lose the customers eligibility for a refund.
It is the customers responsibility to have the correct setup available and ready for the animal, if you need any advice please do get in touch. We have the right to request proof of setup at any time, failure to provide an image of an appropriate setup or any image at all, may result in a full order cancellation and refund.
Guarantee for all inverts & amphibians is 24 hours. All other livestock is 48 hours. If issues/concerns are notified upon delivery, then this may be extended. All health related queries will be subject to a full investigation should an issue arise. Failing to provide us with the information we request may void any form of guarantee. If we find reason from the information that its injury or death was caused by negligence or incorrect husbandry then the guarantee may be void. Should death or abnormalities occur then you must inform us as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that an animal passes away please photograph the dead body and freeze until you have heard from us. If death or illness occurs after 7 days, and no health issues were reported, then Ridgeway will not be held responsible.
We have the right to refuse any sale, refund or guarantee at any time if we feel it is necessary.
Livestock sales are for customers aged 18+, if under this age you must have prior parent permission. If we have any reason to suspect this is not the case we will contact you before the animal is released.
When purchasing an animal from us you automatically agree to these terms of sale.
