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Texas Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri)
Texas Rat Snake, Photograph by LA Dawson. Some rights reserved. (view image details)
TEXAS RAT SNAKE FACTS
DescriptionThe Texas Rat Snake is large snake that is variable in color and pattern throughout its range. They are often yellow or tan in color, with brown or olive green irregular blotches. Snakes from northern parts of the range are darker in color, while those from further south are more yellow. The Texas Rat Snake is the only rat snake with a solid grey head. They may have some red or orange speckling. The underside is plain gray or white. They are agile climbers. Size can grow to over 180cm Environment swamps, forests , grasslands, farmland, sometimes found in urban areas Food The Texas Rat Snake eats rodents, birds, lizards, frogs. which they subdue with constriction. On farmland they sometimes eat young chickens and eggs. Breeding The female lays about 12 to 20 eggs which hatch about 65 to 70 days. Range found in Texas, also Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma Notes Texas Rat Snake is non venomous. They can be aggressive and will often bite if handled. There are a number of naturally occurring color variations, including albinos (no black pigment), hypomelanistic (lacking dark pigment, and vivid orange and reds highlights), leucistic (white with dark eyes). These color forms have been bred in captivity and are popular pets. Classification
Relatives in same Genus Baird's Rat Snake (E. bairdi) Emory's Rat Snake (E. emoryi) Corn Snake (E. guttata) Common Rat Snake (E. obsoleta) Western Fox Snake (E. vulpina) Home | Mammals | Reptiles | Birds | Insects | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Us |