Scaleless Everglades Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni )

Common Name: Everglades Ratsnake
Scientific Name: Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni
Source: CB25

Adult Size: Typically 90-150 cm
Native Range: Southern Florida, USA

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 50-70 % with good airflow; allow slightly higher humidity than arid species

UVB: low output UVB 

Diet: Appropriately sized rodents; juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 7-14 days

Water: Fresh water available at all times

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Everglades Ratsnake is a colourful southern form of the North American rat snake complex, typically recognised by its bright orange to reddish ground colour overlaid with grey or darker dorsal blotches. The intensity of colour can vary, but well-marked individuals are particularly striking.

Native to the wetlands and subtropical habitats of southern Florida, this snake occupies hammocks, woodland edges and marsh margins. It is an active climber as well as a capable terrestrial hunter, often making use of trees and elevated cover in search of prey. Its moderate-to-large adult size and semi-arboreal nature make vertical structure an important part of enclosure design.