Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Milk snake

Scientific name: Lampropeltis triangulum


Milk snake

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: COLUBRIDAE

Group: Reptiles

Shyness: Tolerant

Safe distance: 3 m

Breeding season / Courtship: N/A

Gestation: 60–70 jours

Births: N/A


Habitat:
Forests, grasslands, rocky areas

Description:
The Lampropeltis triangulum, commonly known as the milk snake, is a non-venomous snake from the Colubridae family. It is famous for its colorful patterns that mimic those of venomous coral snakes, a classic example of Batesian mimicry. This snake is generally medium-sized, measuring between 60 and 120 cm in length. Its coloration varies depending on the subspecies, but it often features red, black, and white or yellow bands. It inhabits a variety of environments, from forests to grasslands, and primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. Nocturnal by nature, it is mostly active at night and rests during the day.

Recommended lens:
>=100mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the milk snake, focus on nocturnal or twilight hours when it is most active. Use a lens of 100 mm or more to capture details without getting too close. Ensure you maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters to avoid disturbing it. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize your camera in low-light conditions. Finally, be patient and wait for the snake to move naturally to capture dynamic and interesting shots.

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