Are There Any White Snakes With Black Spots? (2023)

In our ongoing series dedicated to decoding nature, one article at a time, we present yet another fascinating piece about white snakes with black spots.

While not exceptionally rare, they are uncommon due to their relatively low frequency of occurrence. White snakes are even less commonly observed in the natural world.

If you happen to encounter a milky white snake, it is highly likely to be an albino. Albino is a hereditary condition characterized by the absence of pigment in the skin and hair.

Here, we have a list of four white snakes with black spots that will certainly catch your attention.

Are There Any White Snakes With Black Spots?

1) White-bellied mangrove Snake

White-bellied mangrove Snake
White-bellied mangrove Snake | Credit: Robert Ham (commons.wikimedia) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Scientific Name Fordonia leucobalia
Size 90 cm
Habitat Mangrove swamps and tropical tidal wetlands
Location Southeast Asia and Northern Australia

white-bellied mangrove snakes or Crab-Eating Water Snakes are instantly recognizable due to their unique coloration.

Crab-eating snake has a white body which is contrasted by irregularly scattered black spots along their back, creating a visually appealing pattern.

Their distinct coloration serves as a form of camouflage in their mangrove and tidal wetland environment.

Their body and mouth are adapted to feed on crabs found in their habitat.


2) Aberrant California King Snake

Scientific Name Lampropeltis californiae
Size 76 – 107cm
Habitat Variety of habitats- woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and suburbs
Location North America

California King Snake typically displays alternating bands of dark and light colors, which can range from black and white to brown and cream. But here we are talking about Aberrant California King Snake.

The distinct black spots on their white body stay only when they are young. As they grow up, these black spots turn into prominent bands alternating between dark and light creating a very distinct pattern.

California kingsnakes are known for their mimicry of venomous rattlesnakes.


3) Northern Pine Snake

Scientific Name Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus
Size 120–230 cm
Habitat Pine flatwoods, sandy pine-oak, cultivated field, open brushland, and rocky desert
Location United States

The belly of the Northern Pine Snake is predominantly white, with rows of black dots or spots running along either side of its white belly.

Like the other species of Pine Snake, the Northern Pine Snake possesses mimicry adaptations.

One of these adaptations is a small filament in their mouth that enables them to produce loud hissing sounds as a form of defense mechanism.


4) Eastern massasauga

Scientific Name Sistrurus catenatus
Size 60 to 75 cm
Habitat Variety of places- from grasslands to swamps and marshes
Location North America

Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes have a base color ranging from grey to tan with large black or brown spots that cover the center of their body.

While not purely white, the gray color can sometimes appear quite light, giving the impression of a body that is somewhat white with dark spots

Eastern Massasaugas have rattles located at the tip of their tail that when vibrated produce a distinctive clattering sound.

They have specialized heat-sensing pits located on each side of their smallish heads.


Conclusion

This marks the end of another insightful session where we’ve delved into the amazing ways in which nature unveils itself to us.

These 4 snakes are adorned with captivating patterns, not merely for aesthetic purposes, but also as a defense mechanism against potential predators. These patterns serve as a form of mimicry, aiding them in evading their enemies.


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