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Lizards & Snakes · Squamata

Colubrid snakes

Family Colubridae

The largest snake family — mostly harmless, egg-laying and beginner-friendly. Home to the corn snake, kingsnakes, milk snakes, the theatrical hognose and the active garter snake.

5 species on Baskden · 5 with a full care guide.

  • Corn SnakePantherophis guttatusBeginner✓ Care guideThe forgiving, reliable-feeding first snake — hardy and endlessly bred in beautiful morphs.
  • California KingsnakeLampropeltis californiaeBeginner✓ Care guideThe hardy, glossy black-and-white beginner snake famous for one thing: it eats other snakes.
  • Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalisBeginner–Intermediate✓ Care guideThe active, diurnal little snake you actually see moving about — hardy and engaging, but fed on fish and worms rather than rodents.
  • Milk SnakeLampropeltis triangulumBeginner✓ Care guideThe harmless coral-snake mimic — a kingsnake cousin whose bright bands bluff predators.
  • Western HognoseHeterodon nasicusBeginner✓ Care guideThe small, upturned-nose drama queen — hoods like a cobra, plays dead, and is harmless doing it.

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Care guidance on Baskden is written and fact-checked against authoritative husbandry and veterinary sources. It's kind, general guidance — not a diagnosis and not a substitute for an exotics vet. If something looks wrong, contact a reptile vet.

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