This milksnake species is native to the dry, semi-arid regions of northeastern and north-central Mexico,[2] predominantly the states of Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Nuevo León,[2] and may additionally be found as far south as Guanajuato, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro, and as far east as the coast of Veracruz.

Like many snakes, L. annulata tend to be nocturnal or crepuscular in lifestyle, mostly preferring to hide when the daytime temperatures are at their highest, and becoming most active in the cooler periods of the day, especially from the spring to the fall.

As with all lampropeltid snakes, they will eat most or all animals that they can comfortably swallow, if hungry or voracious enough, including desert toads, frogs, young rabbits, and various ground-nesting birds and their chicks.

While these snakes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, as previously stated, they will also bask for short periods during the day to raise their internal temperature.

[7] Milksnakes, like many semi-arid reptile species, have a natural resilience and adaptability due to the many unpredictable climatic conditions and environmental pressures present in their habitats, which include predation, interspecific competition, drought and heatwaves, as well as seasonally-heavy rainstorms and potential flash-flooding.

[8] A pet Mexican milk snake adapts well to captive care and might appeal to owners seeking small size and interesting coloration.