San Diego Gopher Snake (Extreme Albino)

San Diego Gopher Snake (Extreme Albino)

Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer annectens
Common Name: San Diego Gopher Snake

Species Overview

Size: Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes typically reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length; in rare cases, they may approach 7 feet (2.1 m). They are medium-to-large constrictors with a slender, athletic build, keeled scales, and a distinctive pointed snout adapted for digging and burrowing.

Appearance: The Extreme Albino San Diego Gopher Snake is a vivid, high-intensity expression of the Albino morph, selectively bred for maximum saturation and contrast. The Albino gene removes dark pigment, revealing bright yellows, golds, and oranges; in the Extreme line, these warm tones are amplified to near-fluorescent levels. The dorsal blotches are deep orange to red-orange against a creamy white background, and the eyes are ruby-red. This morph is particularly stunning under natural sunlight, where its warm tones seem to glow. The combination of the San Diego subspecies’ naturally rich pigmentation and selective enhancement makes the Extreme Albino one of the most visually dynamic Pituophis ever produced.

Distribution: Native to Southern California, primarily within San Diego, Riverside, Orange, and southwestern San Bernardino counties. This subspecies occupies dry scrublands, desert fringes, and coastal chaparral environments.

Habitat: In the wild, San Diego Gopher Snakes inhabit sunlit grasslands, desert edges, and open scrub habitats with sandy or loamy soil. In captivity, this morph thrives in terrestrial enclosures that replicate arid environments—ample floor space, loose substrate for burrowing, and strong lighting to mimic natural sunlight are ideal.

Behaviour: San Diego Gopher Snakes are intelligent, diurnal constrictors known for their active and alert nature. While they may bluff defensively when startled, captive-bred individuals typically calm quickly and become highly interactive, making them engaging and confident display animals.

Captive Care

Enclosure: Provide an adult enclosure at least 4 feet × 2 feet × 2 feet, with ample horizontal space for movement. Use dry, soft substrate such as aspen, sand-soil mix, or coconut husk blend to allow burrowing. Include multiple hides, basking platforms, and climbing structures for enrichment.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (25–30°C) with a basking area near 90°F (32°C). Allow nighttime drops to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Keep humidity low, between 30–45%, and slightly raise levels during shedding.

Diet: Offer thawed rodents proportional to the snake’s girth—juveniles every 5–7 days and adults every 10–14 days. San Diego Gopher Snakes are reliable feeders that thrive on routine schedules and are rarely picky eaters.

Behaviour in Captivity: Energetic, intelligent, and inquisitive, Albino and Extreme Albino San Diego Gopher Snakes often explore during the day. With regular, gentle handling, they become calm and confident, making them excellent display animals for keepers who appreciate active species.

Special Considerations: These snakes are strong and agile, requiring secure, escape-proof enclosures. Their active temperament and size make them best suited for intermediate to experienced reptile keepers.

Genetics Note

Albino (Recessive): Removes dark pigmentation, revealing bright yellows, oranges, and reds.

Extreme Line (Selective Breeding): A line-bred enhancement developed through selective pairing of the most vibrant Albino San Diego Gopher Snakes, resulting in intensified red-orange blotches, cleaner white backgrounds, and overall increased brightness.

Genetic Combination Summary

The San Diego Gopher Snake (Extreme Albino) expresses one recessive trait and one selectively enhanced line-bred variation:

• Albino (Recessive): Eliminates dark pigments, allowing yellow, orange, and red tones to dominate.

• Extreme Line (Selective Breeding): Enhances saturation, pattern clarity, and overall contrast for a more vivid visual effect.

This morph combines the radiant warmth of the Albino gene with refined selective breeding, producing one of the most visually spectacular Gopher Snakes in captivity. Highly sought after by collectors and breeders alike, the Extreme Albino San Diego Gopher Snake represents the pinnacle of colour intensity within the Pituophis catenifer complex.