{"product_id":"variable-kingsnake-tan","title":"Variable Kingsnake (Tan)","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"306\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"276\" data-end=\"304\"\u003eVariable Kingsnake (Tan)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"308\" data-end=\"420\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"308\" data-end=\"328\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"329\" data-end=\"360\"\u003eLampropeltis mexicana thayeri\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"360\" data-end=\"363\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"379\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable Kingsnake, Thayer’s Kingsnake\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"425\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"453\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"451\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"580\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"464\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach 2.5–3.5 feet (0.75–1.1 m) in length, with a slender, agile body and smooth, glossy scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"1306\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"597\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Tan Variable Kingsnake is a selectively bred colour line emphasizing soft brown, beige, and sandy hues over the species’ naturally varied palette. This phase typically displays a warm tan or light brown background with darker chocolate or grey blotches bordered by subtle cream or ivory edges. Some individuals develop faint orange or copper undertones, especially under natural sunlight, giving them a warm, desert-toned appearance. The contrast is softer than in wild-type forms, with patterning blending naturally into the background rather than standing out sharply. This subdued and earthy colouration has made the Tan line popular among collectors who appreciate naturalistic, understated beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1503\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1325\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Originates from selective captive breeding of Variable Kingsnakes, a species native to the highlands of northeastern Mexico, primarily in Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1747\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable Kingsnakes inhabit rocky slopes, semi-arid forests, and grassland valleys in northern Mexico. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1963\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1763\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calm, intelligent, and observant, Variable Kingsnakes are easy to handle and display consistent feeding habits. They are hardy, adaptable, and well-suited to both display and breeding environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"1968\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"1992\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"1990\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2256\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2008\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an enclosure at least 3 feet × 18 inches × 18 inches for adults. Include multiple hides, climbing décor, and smooth furnishings. A naturalistic substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or aspen allows burrowing and helps regulate humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2498\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2285\"\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–85°F (25–29°C) with a basking area near 88–90°F (31–32°C). Allow nighttime drops to around 70°F (21°C). Maintain humidity between 45–60%, offering a humid hide during shedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2500\" data-end=\"2669\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2500\" data-end=\"2509\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. These snakes are dependable feeders with strong feeding responses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2909\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2698\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active and curious but calm under handling, these snakes thrive with consistent routines. Their neutral, natural colouration makes them excellent display animals in realistic or desert-style terrarium setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"3023\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"2938\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kingsnakes should always be housed individually, as they may consume other snakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3025\" data-end=\"3028\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3030\" data-end=\"3053\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3051\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3350\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3091\"\u003eTan (Polygenic Selective Trait):\u003c\/strong\u003e A selectively bred line developed to highlight warm beige and light brown coloration while softening dark contrast. The line often produces snakes with muted, natural tones and reduced pattern intensity, closely resembling wild desert-coloured populations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3643\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3373\"\u003ePolygenic Nature:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Tan phase is polygenic, meaning it is produced through multi-generational selective breeding rather than a single mutation. Expression can range from pale sandy beige to rich copper-tan, with some individuals developing minimal blotching or faded dorsal markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3645\" data-end=\"3648\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3650\" data-end=\"3687\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3685\"\u003eGenetic Combination Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3689\" data-end=\"3779\"\u003eThe Variable Kingsnake (Tan) expresses a selectively bred, polygenic colour enhancement:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3904\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3904\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3904\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3803\"\u003eTan (Polygenic):\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces contrast and enhances beige-to-brown tones for a smooth, naturally camouflaged appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3906\" data-end=\"4207\"\u003eThis line captures the warm, earth-toned essence of the species’ natural variation and offers a subtle yet elegant alternative to brighter morphs. The Tan Variable Kingsnake is valued for its refined desert-like palette and its ability to showcase the understated diversity found within the species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed","offer_id":56196246634818,"sku":"tsl1789651470037","price":108.04,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/variable-kingsnake-tan_1.jpg?v=1789651474","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/variable-kingsnake-tan","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}