Albino Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Description:

This snake is missing the pigment, melanine, which gives animals much of their coloration. This condition is somewhat of a rarity in rattlesnakes. Albinos born in the wild are at a great disadvantage as they are easily spotted by their natural enemies and are usually killed early in life. Adults commonly grow to 120 cm (3.9 ft) in length. Specimens over 150 cm (4.9 ft) are infrequently encountered, while those over 180 cm (5.9 ft) are very rare. The maximum reported length considered to be reliable is 213 cm (6.99 ft) (Klauber, 1972). Males become much larger than females, although this difference in size does not occur until after they have reached sexual maturity.

Habitat:

This beauty can be seen at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! :)