Description
The Hypo Striped California Kingsnake is a captive-bred, high-contrast morph with reduced black pigment that intensifies its distinctive striping pattern. This is an ideal display animal for intermediate to advanced keepers seeking a visually striking, manageable colubrid. Since adding it to our inventory in Q1 2025, this morph has proven consistently popular and is now a regular reorder item for our collection.
Stand-Out Features
- Enhanced Pattern Clarity: The hypo (hypomelanistic) gene reduces dark pigment, creating cleaner, brighter white or cream stripes against a rich brown background for exceptional visual appeal.
- Proven Captive-Bred Lineage: Sourced from established breeders, these snakes are accustomed to captive life, promoting reliable feeding responses and manageable temperament.
- Classic Kingsnake Durability: Inherits the robust health and adaptable nature of the California kingsnake species, known for being a hardy and long-lived captive.
- Manageable Adult Size: Typically reaches a manageable adult length of 3-4 feet, making it suitable for standard 40-gallon breeder enclosures or similar setups.
Technical Data
| Species | Lampropeltis californiae |
| Morph | Hypo Striped |
| Captive Status | Captive-Bred |
| Typical Adult Size | 3 – 4 feet |
| Primary Diet | Frozen/Thawed Rodents |
| Experience Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Weight (measured) | 3.3 oz |
Your Questions Answered
What is the temperament like for this kingsnake morph?
Like most captive-bred California kingsnakes, this hypo striped specimen typically displays a confident but manageable demeanor. While they can be initially defensive as juveniles, consistent, gentle handling usually results in a calm, tractable adult snake. They are active and curious display animals.
How does the hypo gene affect the striped pattern?
The hypomelanistic gene reduces the black melanin pigment in the snake’s scales. In this striped pattern, it allows the lighter background color to become more vibrant (appearing cleaner white or cream) while the darker stripes become a richer brown, increasing the overall contrast and clarity of the striping from head to tail.
What enclosure setup do you recommend?
A secure 20-gallon long enclosure is suitable for a juvenile, upgrading to a 40-gallon breeder or equivalent for an adult. Provide a thermal gradient with a warm side around 85°F and a cool side in the mid-70s, a secure hide on each end, a water bowl, and appropriate substrate like aspen bedding for burrowing.
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