The kingsnakes and milksnakes of the Lampropeltis genus have been among the most popular snakes in terrariums for many years. Their manageable body size, bright colors and comparatively uncomplicated husbandry requirements make most species of non-venomous snakes suitable for beginners in the terrarium hobby. In the past decade, new studies have led to extensive changes in the taxonomic systematics of the king snakes. This book summarizes the currently valid taxonomy of the entire genus Lampropeltis for the first time and thus pursues the approach of promoting the hitherto reluctant acceptance of the use of the valid nomenclature. The author has kept various species of kingsnakes and milksnakes for around 30 years and provides an insight into his husbandry and breeding methods.

The Guide to Honduran Milksnakes is the most comprehensive book available to hobbyists. Inside you will find personal stories told by well-known breeders, 200+ full-color photographs, general care and husbandry, purchasing tips, and the most extensive history on the lines of Honduran Milksnakes available to date.

An elite member of the kingsnake family, the milksnake is found exclusively in the Americas and has one of the largest ranges of all snakes. Milksnakes by Bryan Engler and Jerry Walls is devoted to this most diverse of snakes, whose color variations in the pet world exceed those found in nature, illustrating how wildly popular milksnakes are with hobbyists. Thanks to milksnakes’ hardiness, ease of breeding and feeding, and generally friendly nature, these attractive snakes have few disadvantages for keepers. They’re modestly sized (maxing out at 3 or 4 feet), and their many colorful patterns are undeniably eye-catching, as captured in the photographs of this book. This Advanced Vivarium Systems title includes information about selecting and purchasing a healthy milksnake, housing and maintenance needs, feeding, handling, and health care. A separate chapter on diseases and disorders provides a complete primer on the health needs and veterinary care. The authors discuss fifteen superb milksnakes in the chapter “The Most Popular Milksnakes,” from the black milksnake to the Utah milksnake, offering descriptions and color photographs of each. The chapter “Almost Milksnakes,” covering six similar kingsnakes, and a fascinating chapter about milksnake hybrids will both prove of great interest to lovers of these friendly snakes. Resources and index included.

For author Philippe de Vosjoli, “art is the actualization of a personal vision or message,” and de Vosjoli’s passion is snakes, which he believes are among the most beautiful animals on earth. Incorporating snakes into a naturalistic vivarium, the way lizards and amphibians usually are, adds a new element to snake keeping, elevating the hobby to a true art form. In The Art of Keeping Snakes, de Vosjoli pursues this concept and provides advice for snake keepers who wish to create beautiful displays for their snakes, putting the animals’ welfare and quality of life above all else and simultaneously enhancing their own enjoyment in observing their beautiful snakes in naturalistic environments. Beautifully photographed, inspiring, and informative, The Art of Keeping Snakes is divided into two parts, the first “A New Way to Keep Snakes,” discusses design planning, enclosures and background possibilities, substrates, landscaping, plants, heating/lighting, quarantine and introducing the snakes to the vivarium. This part also includes chapters on feeding, handling, health care, and general maintenance and husbandry. The second part, “Best Display Snakes,” presents over thirty different snakes, including photographs, physical descriptions, and tips for selection, handling, vivarium design tips, feeding, and breeding. The snakes in this part are divided into chapters, categorized by pythons, boas, water and garter snakes, hognose snakes, rat snakes, kingsnakes and milksnakes, and others. Resources and index included.

In clear, engaging prose, "Snakes" provides an up-to-date summary of every facet of the natural history of snakes--their diversity, evolution, and conservation--and, at the same time, makes a personal statement about why these animals are so compelling. 215 color photos. 3 tables.

Providing thorough descriptions of almost 200 species, this guide presents thousands of facts and figures that will help you identify, understand, and appreciate these important and remarkable animals. Each species and subspecies account includes the latest findings on abundance, size, reproductive habits, prey, habitat, behavior and venomous/nonvenomous status.