White snakes are almost never a naturally white species, but rather individuals with a genetic mutation that limits or eliminates color pigments. These unpigmented snakes stand out against the patterned skin of most wild snakes, which rely on camouflage for survival. The white appearance is a result of a pigment deficiency, not a true white color, which is important for understanding their biology and rarity.
The Biology of White Coloration
The white appearance in snakes is caused by two genetic conditions: albinism and leucism. Both inhibit the production or placement of pigments, but they affect the snake’s appearance distinctly.
Albinism
Albinism is a recessive genetic mutation that specifically prevents the snake from producing melanin, the pigment responsible for dark colors like black and brown. Because albinism only impacts melanin, other pigments like carotenoids (yellow, orange, and red hues) can still be present. This means many albino snakes are not pure white but display pale pink, yellow, or peach patterns over a white background. A characteristic of an albino snake is the presence of pink or red eyes, which occurs because the lack of pigment in the iris makes the underlying blood vessels visible.
Leucism
Leucism is a genetic condition that results in a partial or total reduction of all types of pigment-producing cells, including those that produce melanin and carotenoids. These cells are either absent or fail to migrate properly during development, often creating a snake that is completely or nearly pure white. Leucistic snakes typically maintain dark eyes, such as blue or black, because the mutation does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes.
Commonly Encountered White Snakes (Pets and Captive Morphs)
The majority of white snakes encountered are captive-bred morphs from species commonly kept as pets, where breeders have selectively paired individuals carrying the color-reducing genes. The Albino Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a popular example, known for its docile nature and manageable size, typically reaching four to five feet. Albino Corn Snakes often display a white body with patterns ranging from pale pink to faded orange, reflecting the underlying carotenoid pigments.
The Leucistic Ball Python (Python regius), often called the Blue-Eyed Lucy morph, is another example. These snakes are known for their solid, snow-white body and striking blue eyes, a classic presentation of leucism. Ball Pythons are generally shy and coil into a tight ball when threatened, usually growing to three to five feet in length.
White coloration is also seen in Kingsnake and Milk Snake species (Lampropeltis spp.). For instance, the Albino California Kingsnake can exhibit a white or pale yellow base with faded white or pale orange banding.
Rare White Snakes Found in the Wild
White snakes are rare in the natural world because the lack of camouflage reduces their chances of survival. Without protective coloration, they become visible targets for predators and are less effective at hunting prey. When white snakes are found in the wild, they are almost always the result of a spontaneous, naturally occurring genetic mutation like leucism or albinism.
Documented sightings include leucistic Rat Snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), which appear ghost-white with dark eyes, and occasional leucistic examples of venomous species like the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Most wild white snakes do not survive past their juvenile stage. Instances of adult wild white snakes, such as an albino Indian Cobra (Naja naja) found in India, are exceptions that have managed to overcome the survival disadvantages of their coloration.
Identification and Safety Considerations
Encountering any snake, including a white one, requires a cautious approach, as color is not a reliable indicator of whether it is venomous. Venomous snakes often have a broad, triangular-shaped head, caused by the presence of large venom glands in the cheeks. Most non-venomous snakes tend to have a more streamlined or oval-shaped head.
Another general rule involves examining the shape of the pupils; many venomous pit vipers in North America possess vertical, cat-like pupils, while most non-venomous species have round pupils. However, it is safest to observe any snake from a distance and avoid getting close enough to examine its pupils. If a white snake is seen in a suburban or residential area, it is frequently a non-venomous pet escapee. Regardless of location, the safest practice is to leave the snake alone and avoid attempting to handle it.