# Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana The Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana, also known as the milk snake, is a colorful and friendly snake. Kids will love how it can mimic the appearance of more dangerous snakes to stay safe! - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** They can be found in forests, grasslands, and near agricultural areas. - **Also known as:** Andes Milk Snake ![Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Andean_Milk_Snake_001.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andean_Milk_Snake_001.jpg) ## Appearance The Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana has a striking pattern of wide red bands bordered by black, alternating with narrower black bands and even narrower yellow or cream-colored bands. This vibrant color combination makes it visually distinct. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Lampropeltis ## Interesting facts - Milk snakes don't drink milk, their name comes from a myth from farmers! - Their scales are smooth and shiny, not rough like some other snake species! - These amazing snakes sometimes eat other snakes, even venomous ones! - They are fantastic escape artists, able to squeeze into surprisingly tiny spaces! ## Special abilities - **Constricting Coils:** Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana can tightly coil around its prey and constrict it, allowing them to overpower and eat small animals. - **Stealthy Slitherer:** Its patterned scales help it blend into leaf litter and forest environments, making it hard for predators and prey to spot. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 70-120 cm - **Weight:** 0.2-0.8 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 4 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 5-15 - **Incubation:** 50-70 days ## Diet & Feeding This carnivore eats small rodents, birds, and even other snakes! - **Primary Foods:** Mice, Voles, Small birds, Bird eggs, Lizards, Other snakes - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Helps control rodent populations in its habitat. - **Eats:** Equatorial Anole (*Anolis aequatorialis*) — Preys on these common lizards in its Andean range. - **Eaten by:** Collared Forest-Falcon (*Micrastur semitorquatus*) — One of the raptors that hunts snakes in the forest. - **Eaten by:** Common Opossum (*Didelphis marsupialis*) — A nocturnal mammal that preys on snakes. ## 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. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [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:** 0/5 · No known danger Always observe from a distance and never touch wild snakes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana? 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 Andesiana? 70-120 cm ### How much does Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana weigh? 0.2-0.8 kg ### How long does Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana move? 4 km/h ### What does Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana eat? This carnivore eats small rodents, birds, and even other snakes! ### Where is Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana usually found? They can be found in forests, grasslands, and near agricultural areas. ### How does Lampropeltis Triangulum Andesiana 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 Andesiana Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lampropeltis-triangulum-andesiana)