Desert Stripe California Kingsnake Adult
About this product
Desert Stripe California Kingsnake Adult — 355+ sold. In stock at Morphdirect.
The Desert Stripe California Kingsnake Adult is a selectively bred, high-contrast morph prized for its striking desert camouflage pattern. This is an established, docile adult snake ready for an intermediate to advanced keeper's collection. Its consistent temperament and unique appearance have made it a repeat-purchase favorite among our customers since we began stocking it in fall 2025.
Stand-Out Features
- Defined Desert Stripe Pattern: A clean, high-contrast dorsal stripe runs the length of the body over a light base color, mimicking arid camouflage.
- Proven Adult Temperament: This is not a hatchling. You're getting a settled, established animal known for reliable handling.
- Classic Kingsnake Hardiness: Inherits the robust feeding response and resilience of the California Kingsnake species.
- Breeding Potential: A proven adult morph that can be used to produce striped offspring in breeding projects.
- Immediate Collection Centerpiece: No waiting for color development; the adult pattern is fully expressed.
Technical Data
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis californiae |
| Morph | Desert Stripe |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Weight (measured) | 6.6 oz |
| Expected Adult Length | 3 - 4 feet |
| Temperament | Typically docile, curious |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Diet | Frozen/thawed rodents |
Your Questions Answered
Is this snake a good choice for a beginner?
While California Kingsnakes are often recommended for beginners, this specific animal is an adult. An adult snake is generally easier to care for than a hatchling due to established feeding habits, but it requires a properly sized, permanent enclosure from day one. We recommend it for keepers with some reptile experience.
How is the snake shipped?
We ship via FedEx Priority Overnight to ensure arrival by 10:30 AM. The snake is secured in a breathable, insulated deli cup within a shipping box with a heat or cool pack as needed for weather. Please note: while the animal itself is healthy and perfect, we find the external shipping box could be more robust. It's functional for a single shipment but is flimsy.
What does 'Desert Stripe' mean?
'Desert Stripe' refers to a specific morph of the California Kingsnake. It combines a 'Desert' phase (reduced black pigment, lighter background) with a 'Stripe' pattern mutation (where the typical banded pattern is replaced by a solid dorsal stripe). The result is a high-contrast, linear pattern ideal for arid-themed collections.
✅ Plain brown box — no markings
✅ Not happy? Return within 30 days.
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✅ Domestic shipping — no customs
Specs at a glance
Key attributes
| Age | Adult |
| Species | Live Animal |