Red Milksnakes
Lampropeltis triangulum syspila
Red Milksnakes are one of the most attractive subspecies in the Lampropeltis genus. Unlike many which tend to darken or become less vibrant with age, Red Milks tend to do the opposite: They get better with age, developing a beautiful cherry red with light crossbands and glossy smooth scales. They are indigenous to the central United States.
Some of the very best red milk snakes are found in Johnson County, IL. This 2024 Johnson Co male was produced by Dean Alessandrini, owner of WhiteWater Colubrids.
A 2025 Johnson Co, IL female from David Deem, Temporalis Enterprises. I am in love with these Johnson Co IL locality red milks!
The pair of 2025 red milks shown here are quite special. They are 100% het hypo, produced from a Blody bloodline hypo male outcrossed with a Union Co IL female. A David Deem project, the goal was to expand the gene pool. Male het Blody hypo outcross above.
Female het Blody hypo outcross. These babies are large and robust, feeding on day old pinkies from the first attempt. This is a great hypo red milksnake project.
About This Project
While not rare in the hobby, Red Milksnakes certainly aren’t common. When was the last time you saw captive bred Red Milks for sale at a reptile show? This is even more true of hypo Red Milks. One of the few Milksnake subspecies that actually get brighter as they mature, Red Milksnakes make beautiful vivarium specimens. They almost never bite or musk, making them highly suitable as pets. The babies often take day-old mice pinkies right out of the egg without lizard scenting or other feeding hassles. Thanks to Dean Alessandrini and David Deem for helping me get started with these great Milksnakes.