The first thing to note about the yellow and white snake, otherwise known as Albino Granite Burmese Python, is that its colors are a mutation. This causes this creature many disadvantages in the wild, but not necessarily so in captivity.
Below we will discuss these scaly creatures’ characteristics, habits, diet, and other related information. If you’re considering getting one as a pet, keep reading.
Identifying Yellow and White Snakes
Amelanism is a hereditary pigmentation abnormality that can occur in animals in the same way albinism occurs in humans. It means the animal will naturally be born lacking melanin which is responsible for color pigmentation. Therefore, we get the white and yellow snake with red eyes.
Due to their appealing colors, these snakes are bred and make popular pets.
Albino granite Burmese pythons have two different mutations. The albino one means they have red eyes, and the granite one means they have patternless bellies. They start as red, yellow, and white versions of the granite mutation, and the markings fade over time.
Characteristics of Yellow and White Snakes
Here is some basic yet fascinating information about Albino Burmese pythons – their origins, general appearance, lifespan, and more!
Origins and Environment
These snakes originated in Asia and are mostly found in places like Thailand and China. They’re usually near water bodies when found in the wild, so it’s important that they have plenty of access to water if you want to keep one as a pet.
They’re semi-aquatic and often found around Florida due to escaping or being set free by their handlers. If you want to have one as a pet, the cage will need to be approximately 5ft x 5ft x 10ft (152cm x 152cm x 305cm) once it’s a fully grown adult. Make sure you have enough space for a cage beforehand. Otherwise, it’s best to go with a smaller species.
General Appearance
As you may have guessed from their name (yellow and white snake), this species is yellow and white. The body tends to be white with yellow patches throughout. If you look closely at pictures of this interesting snake species, you’ll notice that their eyes are usually red. Regular Burmese pythons also have red eyes.
The average length for a Burmese python is 10-16 feet (3-5 meters), and it’s the same for the albino (yellow and white) species.
Lifespan
The lifespan of an albino granite Burmese python depends on whether it’s in captivity or in the wild. If they’re in the wild, they can live for around 20 years. In captivity, expect them to live longer than this (around 25 years). The oldest recorded Burmese python was a female who was around 28 years old.
Diet
Like all snakes, yellow and white species are carnivorous. Their diets consist of:
- Rodents (mostly mice and rats)
- Birds
- Mammals
Their diets may also include amphibians and reptiles. Baby pythons can eat once or twice per week, while adults need to eat every two weeks or so. Since their bodies require much less energy than warm-blooded animals, they can survive by only eating every few weeks.
Some large varieties of pythons are so big that they can eat things like pigs, goats, and even alligators.
Temperament
If handled properly and gently from a young age, yellow and white snakes are docile and easy to manage. However, they may attempt to bite or attack if they feel threatened, so it’s always important to remain cautious when handling this snake species.
When it’s young, you may be able to handle this snake by yourself. But as it gets older and grows to its maximum size, it’s best to have at least one other person (ideally even more) to help you anytime you need to handle or feed the snake.
If a yellow and white snake manages to bite, it’s generally not a cause for concern because they’re non-venomous. But if you handle gently and don’t startle it, it shouldn’t bite.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Due to their large size, yellow and white snakes can wrap around their prey and suffocate them to death. They are also patient hunters. They don’t have fangs. Instead, they have rear-facing teeth.
They might strike or bite out of fear and can cause minor harm. They are also excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for about half an hour.
However, one of the weaknesses of this species is Its bright colors–they make yellow and white snakes easier to spot and much more difficult to hide from predators.
Final Thoughts
Albino Granite Burmese Python can make for extraordinary pets. However, they are quite a handful and require much care, effort, and food. If you’re serious about adopting one and are able to put in the work, then you will greatly enjoy the connection you build with it.