# Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura The Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura, also known as the milk snake, is a colorful and friendly snake. It loves to slither around in its habitat and can often be found basking in the sun! - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** They live in a variety of environments including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. ![Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Eastern_Milksnake_%28Lampropeltis_triangulum%29_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter_%282%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_Milksnake_%28Lampropeltis_triangulum%29_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter_%282%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura has a striking pattern of wide red bands bordered by black, alternating with thinner yellow or cream bands. This colorful, non-venomous snake visually mimics the dangerous coral snake, serving as a clever defense mechanism. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Lampropeltis ## Interesting facts - Baby milk snakes are born ready to hunt on their own from day one. - Despite its name, the milk snake does not drink milk from cows! - Some milk snakes even eat other snakes, including venomous ones! - They lay their eggs in hidden spots like under logs or in rotting wood. ## Special abilities - **Powerful Constriction:** Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura can squeeze its prey tightly because its strong body helps it overpower small animals. - **Expert Hider:** Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura has a secretive nature that helps them hide from predators and ambush unsuspecting prey. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 60-150 cm - **Weight:** 0.1-0.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 4 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-12 - **Incubation:** 50-65 days ## Diet & Feeding This carnivore hunts small animals like rodents, birds, lizards, and even other snakes. - **Age differences:** Young snakes often start with insects and small lizards, gradually moving to larger prey as they grow. - **Primary Foods:** Rodents (e.g., mice), Small birds, Lizards, Other snakes, Bird eggs - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [White-footed mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-footed-mouse) (*Peromyscus leucopus*) — A common prey item in its forest habitat. - **Hunts:** Green anole (*Anolis carolinensis*) — Frequently preys on these common lizards. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A primary avian predator of these snakes. - **Eaten by:** [Raccoon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Opportunistically preys on snakes and their eggs. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always observe snakes from a safe distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura? 60-150 cm ### How much does Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura weigh? 0.1-0.5 kg ### How long does Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura move? 4 km/h ### What does Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura eat? This carnivore hunts small animals like rodents, birds, lizards, and even other snakes. ### Where is Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura usually found? They live in a variety of environments including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. ### How does Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Lampropeltis Triangulum Amaura Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lampropeltis-triangulum-amaura)