Description
- Common Name: Sinaloan Milk Snake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis polyzona (previously L. triangulum sinaloae)
- Locality/Morph: Wild Type
- Sex: Unknown
- Age: 2026
- 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 Sinaloan Milk Snake (Lampropeltis polyzona) is a striking and popular milk snake recognised for its vivid red, black and cream-white banding. Native to western Mexico, it occurs across a range of dry and semi-arid habitats and is an adaptable species that has become well established in captivity. Its bold coloration provides an effective example of Batesian mimicry, resembling the warning colours of venomous coral snakes.
In nature, L. polyzona inhabits dry forests, scrubland, grasslands and rocky areas, where it spends much of the day sheltering beneath rocks, logs or other cover. It is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, emerging to hunt small mammals, lizards, snakes and other suitable prey. Its adaptable nature and tolerance of seasonal temperature changes make it well suited to captive conditions.
In captivity, the Sinaloan Milk Snake thrives in a secure terrestrial enclosure with good floor space and plenty of opportunities to explore. Aspen, soil-based or other suitable dry substrates can be used, along with multiple hides, branches and décor for enrichment. Humidity should generally be kept moderate, around 40–60%, with a shallow water bowl always available.
Provide an ambient temperature of approximately 24–27°C, with a basking area around 30–32°C and a slight drop in temperature at night. UVB lighting is not essential, although low-level UVB can be beneficial and a consistent day/night lighting cycle should be maintained.
Feeding is straightforward, with captive specimens readily accepting appropriately sized defrosted mice. Juveniles can generally be fed every 5–7 days, while adults can be fed approximately every 7–14 days depending on prey size and body condition. Sinaloan Milk Snakes can be shy when first introduced but typically become calm and manageable with regular, gentle 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.
