Leucistic Texas Rat Snake

Common Name: Texas Ratsnake
Scientific Name: Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri
Source: CB25

Adult Size: Typically 120-180 cm
Native Range: Texas and surrounding regions of the southern United States

Enclosure: Secure, well-ventilated vivarium; minimum 120 × 60 × 60 cm for adults with climbing branches and multiple hides

Heating: Warm end 30-32 °C / Cool end 22-24 °C / Night drop 18-20 °C

Humidity: Moderate 40-60 % with good airflow; slight increase during shedding if required

UVB: low output UVB.

Diet: Appropriately sized rodents; juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 7-10 days

Water: Fresh water available at all times

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Texas Ratsnake is a large North American colubrid known for its variable pattern and strong climbing ability. Wild individuals may show blotched grey and brown patterning, yellow tones with darker markings, or darker overall colouration depending on locality.

In nature it occupies woodlands, rocky outcrops, farmland and even suburban areas, where it actively hunts rodents and birds. It is semi-arboreal and frequently found in trees, barns and elevated structures. Its larger adult size sets it apart from many other commonly kept colubrids, and it benefits from a spacious enclosure that allows for both ground cover and vertical structure. A secure setup is essential, as this species is powerful and adept at pushing weak fittings.