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What is an Albino Snake?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

An albino snake is a type of snake that is born with a genetic abnormality known as albinism, which is a lack of pigmentation in the body and eyes. This leads to snakes that are white in color, or may be lacking a particular coloration that is typical, for example a snake that is usually yellow, white, and red might only be yellow and white. Albinism also typically causes a snake’s eyes to be solid red in color and may reduce the snake’s eyesight. Corn snakes and Burmese pythons are both fairly common types of albino snakes.

Albino snakes do not belong to a particular species of snake, but are instead various types of snakes that are born without the usual pigmentation seen in the species. This can be caused by genetic mutation or intentional breeding in an effort to produce snakes with a particular appearance. Albinism can also be an accidental result of breeding attempts to create snakes with a different type of coloration, which can inadvertently pair snakes with a genetic predisposition to produce albino offspring. Regardless of the intent or nature of the pairing, an albino snake is typically identifiable by the distinctive red eyes and light coloration.

Common types of albino snakes include corn snakes.
Common types of albino snakes include corn snakes.

An albino snake does not necessarily have to be solid white, as some people may initially imagine based on albino mammals that are typically very pale with white hair. Because of the variety of colors in snakes, a single pigment may be missing due to albinism, and the albino snake may still be yellow, cream, or light brown. Albino corn snakes, for example, might be missing red pigmentation and still have yellow and brown coloring that provides the characteristic maize patterns that give the snakes their name. The popularity of corn snakes as pets has led to extensive breeding, which has in turned has produced a decent number of albino corn snakes.

Common types of albino snakes include Burmese pythons.
Common types of albino snakes include Burmese pythons.

Similarly, albino Burmese pythons can be quite common, and may even be bred for their unique coloration for sale to snake enthusiasts. Burmese pythons are typically several shades of light and dark brown, with very recognizable skin patterns and coloration. Albino Burmese pythons, however, typically lack the darker brown pigmentation and instead appear white and yellow or very light brown, but with the same patterns in the colors. An albino snake otherwise retains all the usual behaviors and habits of non-albino specimens of their species, with both corn snakes and Burmese pythons being non-venomous constrictors that feed on a variety of animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an albino snake?

An albino snake is a snake that lacks melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration in animals. This genetic condition, known as albinism, results in a snake with white or pink skin and red or pink eyes. Albinism occurs in various snake species and affects their appearance but not their overall health or vitality.

How rare are albino snakes in the wild?

Albino snakes are quite rare in the wild due to their conspicuous coloring, which makes them easy targets for predators. Their lack of camouflage also hinders their ability to hunt effectively. According to herpetological studies, the exact frequency of albinism in wild snakes is difficult to determine but is considered a low-percentage occurrence.

Can albino snakes survive in the wild?

While albino snakes can survive in the wild, their chances are significantly lower than those of normally pigmented snakes. Their bright coloration makes them more visible to both predators and prey, compromising their ability to hide and hunt. Consequently, albino snakes often have shorter lifespans in natural habitats.

Are albino snakes more prone to health issues?

Albino snakes are not inherently more prone to health issues than their pigmented counterparts. However, they can be more sensitive to sunlight due to the lack of protective melanin, which can lead to skin problems if not properly sheltered. Otherwise, with appropriate care, albino snakes can lead healthy lives in captivity.

Is albinism in snakes the same as in other animals?

Albinism in snakes is fundamentally the same condition as in other animals, characterized by a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin. This mutation affects all vertebrates similarly, resulting in a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, feathers, or scales, and often red or pink eyes.

Do albino snakes require special care in captivity?

Albino snakes require some special considerations in captivity to ensure their well-being. They should be provided with ample shade to prevent skin damage from excessive light exposure. Additionally, their enclosures should mimic natural hiding places to reduce stress. Otherwise, their care requirements, including diet and temperature, are similar to those of pigmented snakes.

Discussion Comments

kentuckycat

I have always wondered about animals that are both predators and are albino, like albino snakes. I have always thought about whether or not they were at a disadvantage in the wild due to their color and their inability to camouflage, like other snakes of their species with their normal colors.

I have also always wondered whether albino species of animals have a different type of personality than other types of snakes and adapt more to their surrounding to overcome their handicaps, due to their color.

JimmyT

I have always thought that albino snakes look very cool and wonder if many species of them are considered endangered. I would like to own one as a pet and I have always figured that I could not buy one, such as an albino python, because they would be rare. However, this article makes it sound like they are not at all that uncommon and it would simply come down to me finding one and paying an appropriate amount of money to buy it.

cardsfan27

@jcraig - I am unsure, but I have always been under the impression that anything that is albino does not have the ability to reproduce. I could be wrong about this, but I have always heard this rumor and figure it has some validity.

I will say though, if you want a snake, and do not want it to reproduce simply buy only one snake and keep it by itself all the time. If you do it this way you will not have to worry about any surprises such as having to take care of many more snakes.

jcraig

Something that I have to wonder about albino snakes is whether or not they are sterile and cannot reproduce.

If I were to buy some animal, like a large snake, it would greatly appeal to me to buy one that does not have the ability to reproduce, for a variety of reasons.

MrSmirnov

@wander - Albino corn snakes are a great pet because they have a really good temperament. For myself, I really love albino pythons. They can get to be massive though, so you really need the funds and space to keep them happy and healthy.

A good place to look for an albino snake for sale is in the classifieds. I have found some great deals on snakes from owners who aren't capable of looking after their pets any longer.

Also, you can check out the local animal shelter and see if they have any albino snakes on hand. You would be surprise at how often snakes get confiscated from people.

wander

There are so many kinds of snakes to choose from when you are looking at snakes for sale. I have wanted a snake as a pet for years, but my roommates have always been squeamish about me keeping a snake in the house. Now that I am heading out on my own I think it is time I got my own albino snake.

I have found that when an albino corn snake for sale advertisement pops up, they usually go for under $50, which makes them a really cheap pet in comparison to things like cats and dogs. Plus, the food for them is pretty inexpensive considering that a few mice can keep a snake going for 5-15 days depending on its size. That is really a money saver.

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    • Common types of albino snakes include corn snakes.
      By: KJ Lodrigue, Jr.
      Common types of albino snakes include corn snakes.
    • Common types of albino snakes include Burmese pythons.
      By: Matthew Cole
      Common types of albino snakes include Burmese pythons.