Scarlet Kingsnake

he scarlet kingsnake is considered a full species, Lampropeltis elapsoides, by many herpetologists.
Considered one of the most challenging kingsnakes to keep because of its small size and the difficulty of finding proper food, scarlet kingsnakes are also notorious escape artists. Provide a 10-gallon terrarium with a locking, very secure lid and a substrate of anything from aspen to indoor-outdoor carpeting. Some keepers suggest that a 20-gallon vertical terrarium with the lid at the top may be necessary to prevent escapes. The terrarium must stay fairly moist, so give water in a wide, shallow bowl. These are nervous snakes that do not like bright lights and need several hiding places in the terrarium. Room temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are adequate, with a small drop at night. An undertank heating pad is not necessary, and basking lights may be harmful.