Search Dictionary
Definition of nelson milk snake
nelson milk snake
Plural:nelson milk snakes
nelson milk snake Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A non-venomous subspecies of king snake native to Mexico, characterized by distinctive, wide red bands separated by narrower black and white or yellow rings.
Example
"Because of its docile temperament and striking coloration, the Nelson milk snake is a highly popular species among amateur reptile keepers."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with venomous coral snakes due to its similar red, black, and white banding pattern, which is an evolutionary defense mechanism known as Batesian mimicry.
Word Origin & Etymology
Named in honor of American naturalist Edward William Nelson. The term 'milk snake' derives from a false rural myth that these snakes sucked milk from cow udders, as they were frequently found in barns hunting rodents.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nelson milk snake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nelson milk snake