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Description
Everglades Rat Snake (Scaleless Leucistic)
Scientific Name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis (Everglades Locality)
Common Name: Everglades Rat Snake
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length, with a lean, athletic build and smooth, supple skin.
Appearance: The Everglades Rat Snake (Scaleless Leucistic) is a breathtaking expression of two rare traits—the complete absence of scales and the pure white coloration of leucism—within one of North America’s most vividly coloured locality snakes. The result is a smooth, satin-textured snake with a soft, reflective surface that highlights subtle undertones of cream and pale pink beneath the skin. The eyes are typically blue or grey, contrasting gently against the otherwise featureless white body. This morph maintains the elongated structure and strong climbing ability typical of the species but carries an entirely unique, almost ethereal visual appeal that distinguishes it from both standard Everglades Rat Snakes and other leucistic rat snake forms.
Distribution: Originating from the southern Florida Everglades region, where the base species (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) occurs naturally. The Scaleless and Leucistic traits were selectively expressed through careful breeding within this locality line.
Habitat: Wild Everglades Rat Snakes inhabit the wetlands, grasslands, and forest edges of southern Florida, often near cypress marshes and agricultural zones. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.
Behaviour: Corn Snakes are crepuscular, showing peak activity during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, reliable feeders and adapt easily to consistent husbandry routines, making them excellent for both breeding and display.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Adults should be housed in an enclosure of at least 48” × 24” × 24”. Provide multiple hides, climbing branches, and elevated ledges, as this semi-arboreal species frequently climbs. Use soft, moisture-retentive substrate such as coconut fibre, soil, or bioactive blends to protect the skin and maintain humidity.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (26–30°C) with a basking area near 88°F (31°C). Allow nighttime temperatures to drop to 70°F (21°C). Maintain humidity between 55–70%, with a humid hide or moss area provided for shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Dietary variety such as quail eggs or chicks can be offered as enrichment.
Behaviour in Captivity: Everglades Rat Snakes are intelligent and inquisitive, often exploring their enclosure. They are calm and easily handled once acclimated, thriving with consistent routines and steady care.
Special Considerations: Scaleless individuals require slightly higher humidity and softer substrate to prevent abrasion. As with all leucistic morphs, avoid excessive direct light exposure, as their lack of pigment can make them more sensitive to intense UV or heat sources. When properly maintained, this morph is both visually stunning and robust in captivity.
Genetics Note
Scaleless (Recessive): Removes the outer layer of scales, leaving smooth, soft, and glossy skin that enhances underlying colour visibility.
Leucistic (Recessive): Produces a pure white or cream body with blue or grey eyes by reducing all pigment production while preserving normal eye development.
Scaleless Leucistic (Double Recessive Combination): The interaction of both genes produces a completely smooth, scaleless snake with no visible pigment, resulting in a satin-textured, snow-white appearance.
Genetic Combination Summary
The Everglades Rat Snake (Scaleless Leucistic) expresses two recessive traits:
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Scaleless (Recessive): Removes scales entirely, producing a smooth, glossy surface texture.
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Leucistic (Recessive): Eliminates pigment while retaining blue or grey eyes, resulting in a pure white coloration.
Together, these genetics create a visually striking, scaleless white rat snake with soft, reflective skin and calm, confident behaviour. The Everglades Rat Snake (Scaleless Leucistic) is both a visual masterpiece and a testament to the potential of selective breeding within a naturally beautiful species.