Albino California Kingsnake Vs. Snow Corn

Snakes are exotic pets, but they are not for everyone. Thanks to captive breeding programs, even common snakes have taken on new colors and patterns. The California kingsnake and the corn snake are two of the more popular pet snakes and are known for their unusual coloration. Both come in different color mutations, and the albino California kingsnake and snow corn snake are discussed.

  1. Native Coloration

    • Snakes have inherited their colors and patterns to help them survive in the wild. The corn snake's pattern helps him blend in with the leaf litter of the forests of the southeastern United States. California kingsnakes are found with both a banded and striped pattern. Since they live in arid areas with less ground cover, these patterns create an optical illusion when the snake is moving, confusing predators.

    Genetic Mutations

    • Mutations are constantly occurring in nature. While some may work to a snake's advantage, many are harmful to the animal. For example, the California kingsnake normally has a black and yellow coloration, which protects him in the wild. But the albino California kingsnake is bright yellow and white and would be easily seen by predators.

    Captive Breeding

    • With hundreds of thousands of snake eggs hatching in captivity every year, occasionally a baby will hatch that looks different. This is generally a genetic mutation, and through selective breeding, that mutation can be passed on to future generations. Thanks to captive breeding programs, mutations that would normally not be seen in the wild are available to the pet industry.

    Albinism

    • The proper term for albinism is amelanism, and means that the animal is lacking the ability to produce black pigment. The most commonly known example of amelanism is the white mouse, which is pure white and has red eyes. In animals with multiple color genes, the lack of black pigment produces dramatic visual results. The albino California kingsnake becomes a white animal, with bright yellow bands or stripes on its body. The snow corn snake also carries the amelanistic mutation.

    Anerythrism

    • The snow corn snake carries two color mutations--amelanism, like the albino California kingsnake, and a second mutation known as anerythrism. Anerythristic animals lack the ability to produce red pigment. The combination of the amelanistic and anerythristic gene mutations in the snow corn snake cause it to be almost pure white in color, with a very faint yellow pattern.

    Popularity as Pets

    • Both the albino California kingsnake and the snow corn snake are popular as pets, because they reach 3 to 4 feet in length, are not aggressive, feed well and do well in captivity. Both are readily available in pet shops, online or at local reptile shows throughout the country.