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Description
Texas Rat Snake (Scaleless)
Scientific Name: Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri
Common Name: Texas Rat Snake
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length, with a muscular, elongated body.
Appearance: The Scaleless Texas Rat Snake is a unique genetic variant that lacks most of its scales, giving it a smooth, almost glass-like appearance. Small scales remain along the ventral surface and around the eyes, but the body appears satin-smooth and slightly iridescent. Colouration and pattern remain visible, often appearing more vibrant due to the absence of scale texture. The result is a morph that looks strikingly soft and reflective, highlighting every colour detail of the underlying pattern.
Distribution: A captive-bred morph derived from selectively bred Texas populations.
Habitat: Texas Rat Snakes inhabit forests, grasslands, and rural areas across the southern United States. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.
Behaviour: Scaleless individuals are similar in temperament to normal Texas Rat Snakes—active, intelligent, and responsive to regular handling.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a minimum of 4 feet × 2 feet × 2 feet for adults. Ensure soft substrate and smooth décor to prevent skin irritation.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (26–30°C) with a basking area around 90°F (32°C). Keep humidity at 45–60% with occasional misting.
Diet: Feed frozen-thawed rodents of appropriate size every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults.
Behaviour in Captivity: Scaleless Texas Rat Snakes are inquisitive and hardy, often feeding readily and adjusting quickly to captivity.
Special Considerations: Provide smooth, nonabrasive climbing surfaces and monitor skin condition during sheds.
Genetics Note
Scaleless (Recessive): Reduces or removes body scales, creating a smooth, soft texture that intensifies underlying colours and patterns. The mutation does not affect overall health when proper husbandry is maintained.
Genetic Combination Summary
The Texas Rat Snake (Scaleless) expresses one recessive trait:
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Scaleless (Recessive): Removes body scales, producing a sleek, reflective appearance that enhances colour vibrancy.
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