Mole Kingsnakes
Mole kingsnakes are a small, secretive species that is seldom seen in the wild or in collections. As their name implies, they are primarily subterranean and utilize naturally occurring mole tunnels, root channels and rodent burrows to move about and remain concealed. They are also known to tunnel on their own and possess a compact chisel shaped head to facilitate this purpose. They can be found under boards and other dibree but are most often seen after heavy rains force them to the surface.
This species has a marked preference for areas with loose friable well-drained soils. Agricultural and suburban fields as well as wooded lots are all utilized by this adaptable species.
Over much of their range (southern Maryland to central Florida and west to the Mississippi) they are essentially a unicolored light brown snake as adults. Several populations however are the exception to this rule and produce very distinct specimens. One such population is from south east North Carolina. This is where the prized red phase is found. Most mole kings from this area retain their bright juvenile coloration and pattern. I currently hold 1.2 of these distinct animals in my collection.
"Red" mole king *
The population from northern Virginia is typically a rich chestnut brown. In the late 1980s this population also yielded a hypomelanistic specimen. The original hypo female produces hets and a pair was sold to Bill Gains who subsequently produced a pair of hypos in 1995. This unique pair was sold to a Florida couple who in turn sold them to me in 1999.
The hypo mole project is very exciting. As can be seen from the pictures, the hypo trait turned a rather plain looking northern Virginia animal into a very pretty snake. The potential for breeding this trait into the red phase and other distinct population boggles the mind!
Body shots of hypo male and a sibling possible het.
Mole kings start out very small but are surprisingly quick to take small pink mice and grow rapidly. They will thrive in a small well ventilated vivaria and should be provided media in which to borrow. A small hydration chamber filled with damp sphagnum moss will help facilitate shedding.
Red Phase - $100 ea.
Hypos - Inquire
* The color in this photo was manipulated to more accurately reflect the specimens true color.