Cobra Lampropeltis leonis

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach up to 120 cm

Origin: Mexico

Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity

Natural Habitat: The Cobra Real Mexicana inhabits dry steppes, hills, deserts and plains with plenty of rocks and low vegetation in the states of Nuevo León, Coahuila and Tamaulipas, north-eastern Mexico.

The Cobra Real Mexicana is an ideal snake species for beginners, with one of the most striking looks of any snake species. Its docile nature, combined with its ease of care, makes it one of the most popular choices for anyone looking for their first reptile.

Although this is a relatively easy species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: Minimum 90x45x45cm for 1 adult

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

You should set up a terrarium with a thermal gradient, with a minimum temperature of 22ºC on the cool side and around 32ºC on the warm side. At night the temperature should not drop below 18ºC. Heating can be provided with a Heat Mat.

Although not essential, daytime exposure to a UVI between 0 and 3 (Ferguson Zone 1-2) is recommended. To achieve these UV levels you can use ShadeDweller UV lamps.

- Humidity

The Cobra Real Mexicana needs a relative humidity between 50 and 70%. These levels usually match the ambient humidity in our homes.

The snake should always have a water bowl with fresh water available.

- Decor

You can use an Aspen substrate or Arcadia Earth Mix Arid. You can create a three-dimensional habitat using branches and rocks, making sure they are firmly secured. Especially with young animals, it is advisable to provide a few hiding places to avoid unnecessary stress. You can also use live plants (safe species only) and/or artificial ones.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Carnivorous

 Juvenile Diet: You can feed prey of up to 15% of the animal's body mass every 5 days.

 Adult Diet (from 2 years old): You can feed prey of up to 10% of the animal's body mass every 7-14 days.

- Foods

Dead Mice and/or Rats.

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