When you think of snakes, vibrant shades of green, brown or even black might come to mind. But there’s something uniquely captivating about a pink snake.
Though less common than their more traditionally colored cousins, these nonvenomous beauties have captured the love and attention of many reptile enthusiasts, creating interest in reptile galleries and as exotic pets for young collectors and adults alike.
The Alluring World of Pink Snakes
Pink is a color most often associated with flowers, candy, and little girls’ bedrooms. But there’s another place you can find this feminine hue – on the scales of snakes! While not common, there are a number of snake species that exhibit pink coloration. Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful pink snakes slithering across the planet.
One of the most popular pet snakes that comes in a pink variety is the corn snake. Their scientific name is Pantherophis guttatus Selective breeding has produced many color morphs of corn snakes, including bright coral pink and pink snow colorations These non-venomous constrictors are native to the southeastern United States. In the wild, their natural color is orange or brown with red blotches outlined in black down the back. But captive breeding has unlocked a rainbow of vibrant shades.
The Western blind snake is a shockingly pink little reptile measuring around 30 cm long. With a thick skull for burrowing and a resemblance to an earthworm, these snakes spend their lives underground hunting ants, termites, larvae and eggs. Rena humilis is their scientific name and they live in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Adding a pop of color to the prairies and coastal sand dunes of Mexico and the southwestern US is the Western coachwhip snake. Masticophis flagellum testaceus exhibits tan, brown or pink scales that allow it to blend into its environment. This non-venomous colubrid can reach 6 feet long. They use speed and agility to catch their prey rather than venom.
The Aruba Island rattlesnake is a venomous viper species native to its namesake island in the Carribean. Crotalus unicolor shows an incredible range of colors like brown slate tan, apricot, pink and more. Their goal is to match the soil color where they reside. These stout snakes grow to around 3 feet long and prefer desert habitat.
Australia is home to the West Kimberley blind snake, a species often light pink or purple in coloration. Anilios zonula is very thin and worm-like, only reaching about 19 cm long. They are restricted to Augustus and Storr Islands off the northwest coast of Australia.
Another pink burrower is the genus Carphophis, known as worm snakes in the United States. They exhibit dark brown backs and pinkish bellies, maxing out around 14 inches long. As their name suggests, they spend their time underground and are rarely encountered.
The genus Leptotyphlops consists of the slender blind snakes of Africa. This group displays shiny segmented bodies in pinks or browns. They resemble large earthworms but have scales rather than skin.
In the rocky habitats of Mexico and the southwestern US lives Crotalus lepidus, the pink rattlesnake. The coloration of this venomous viper mimics the limestone shades of its surroundings. Some specimens from Texas exhibit darker speckling on a light pink background. They max out around 3 feet long.
The vivid pink eyelash viper is a stunning but dangerous pit viper inhabiting Central and South American rainforests. Bothriechis schlegelii uses its “eyelashes” to help camouflage itself in the trees while hunting small tree-dwelling prey. Their color varies but pink specimens are not uncommon.
Tantilla coronata is known as the southeastern crowned snake, a harmless tiny colubrid from the southeastern United States. Their coloration includes brown, black, and sometimes pink scales with a distinctive crown marking on the neck and white or pink underbelly.
Another crowned snake is Tantilla relicta, also non-venomous. This species lives in Florida and exhibits brown, tan, black, and pink scales. They are shy, burrowing snakes that only grow to about 22 cm long.
The Northern Pacific rattlesnake shows incredible color diversity across its west coast range. Crotalus oreganus can be tan, pink, gray, gold, or bronze with dark blotches and a pale yellow belly with spots. This dangerous viper measures up to 1 meter long.
The small sharptail snake of North America displays brown, brick red, pink, or orange scales. Contia tenuis is harmless to humans despite having a sharp pointed tail tip used to stabilize prey. They are a burrowing species found under rocks and logs.
The Sidewinder rattlesnake makes its home in the Mojave Desert. Crotalus cerastes comes in a variety of brown and tan hues, sometimes mixed with pink. These dangerous pit vipers specialize in rapid sidewinding movement and venomous bites.
In the mountains and hillsides of Mexico and the southwestern United States lives Crotalus pyrrhus, known as the Southwestern speckled rattlesnake. Their brown, gray, or pink scales serve as the perfect camouflage for their rocky environments.
Very little is known about the mysterious pink snake of Australia. However Cryptophis incredible certainly lives up to its name with its bright pink scales. Since its discovery in the 1950s, fewer than 10 specimens have ever been found.
Lycodon rosazonatus is a large snake from Vietnam to Russia exhibiting black scales with bright pink bands down its length. This non-venomous colubrid is also called the rose big-tooth snake due to the size of its rear fangs. They can reach lengths over 6 feet long.
The rare and striking Liophidium pattoni is endemic to the forests of Madagascar. It displays black and bright pink scales in stripes down its back. Some specimens also have vivid yellow scales on their underbelly and tail tip.
In the rainforests of New Guinea and Australia lives Cryptophis nigrostriatal, also known as the black-striped snake. It shows black stripes on a brownish-pink background. Some populations exhibit more red or pink rather than black stripes.
The Red spitting cobra shows incredible color variation across its African range. As juveniles, Naja pallida is generally dark pink with wide black bands. Adults exhibit pinkish-red scales with a distinctive black neck band. This species can spit venom as a defense.
As you can see, pink can be just as deadly as it is beautiful in the snake world. From tiny harmless wormsnakes to huge venomous vipers, these pink reptiles use their alluring coloration to survive in habitats around the globe. So next time you picture a snake being green, tan, or black, think pink! Mother Nature has hidden populations of these rare rosy serpents away, waiting for lucky herpers to stumble across their paths.
Pink Snakes as Pets
Many people fall in love with the idea of owning their own pink snake one day, particularly due to the striking color and rarity in the wild. Fortunately, caring for a pink corn snake is relatively easy and doesnt require a huge time commitment, adding to its popularity as a pet.
Corn snakes thrive in snake tanks or enclosures that mimic their natural habitat and have good ventilation (like a reptile gallery), ensuring they remain active and healthy. They commonly eat mice, rats, small birds, lizards and frogs. Being constrictor snakes, they first coil themselves around their prey and then swallow it whole.
Although breeders often sell corn snakes while theyre still relatively small, these beautiful snakes can get quite big, reaching an average length of 2 to 6 feet (61 to 182 cm). They can live over 20 years in captivity.
For a young girl or boy, having a pink snake can be a big responsibility but also a uniquely fun and educational experience. Corn snakes rarely display any defensive behaviors, and their nonaggressive temperament makes them suitable for handling by young people.
The Pink Corn Snake
One of the most well-known pink snakes is the pink variation of the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus). When looking at a pink corn snake, you’ll notice how their unique color shimmers under the light, showcasing a beautiful blend of pink with occasional touches of black and white.
A great companion choice for both beginners and experienced snake handlers, corn snakes not only have a striking color but also relatively easy care requirements, a docile nature and the ability to adapt to various environments.
Corn snakes also make excellent pets because theyre active during the day. Children and adults find it fascinating to observe them slither through their enclosures, exploring every corner in depth.
Pink snakes amazing
FAQ
What kind of snake is pink?
The Pink Corn Snake – One of the most well-known pink snakes is the pink variation of the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus).Oct 14, 2024
Are pink corn snakes poisonous?
Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, the corn snake lacks functional venom and is harmless.
Is it possible for a snake to be pink?
Native to North America, Rosy Boas exhibit natural pink shades, while Pink Corn Snakes achieve their vibrant colors through selective breeding. These docile creatures, reaching up to six feet long, make excellent pets due to their gentle nature and adaptability.
What pink snakes can you have as pets?
Coral Pink Corn Snakes (Multiple Morph Choices) Corn snakes are easy to care for and have one of the best temperaments of any snake species making them the most popular snake in the pet industry. Captive Bred Corn Snakes (as opposed to wild caught) have one of the best temperaments.
Are there pink snakes?
There are no known species of pink-colored snakes. Pink is not one of the various colors that snakes may be; instead, they can be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, and even white. Yet, certain snakes exhibit pinkish undertones on specific areas of their body, including the tongue, belly, and scales.
What is the scientific name of a pink snake?
Scientific name: Cryptophis incredible. Common name: Pink snake. Pink Snakes are one of the least known species of snakes in Australia. This species is found in different shades of pink. From bright pink to pink-red nuances, The Pink Snake is a small species believed to feed on lizards. Pink Snakes are only found in Australia.
What snakes have pink eyes?
Corn snakes, milk snakes, king snakes and garter snakes count among snake species exhibiting pink color variants cherished by herpetoculturists. Many species of pink snakes have distinctive red or orange eyes. This is due to a high concentration of rhodopsins, the proteins that help snakes see in low light conditions.
Are there pink snakes in Australia?
Pink Snakes are only found in Australia. Pink Snakes have only been confirmed outside mainland Australia on The Prince of Wales Island. This remote area means the snake is a very rare sight. Some of its recent sightings include both bright pink and pink-red morphs.
Are pink snakes rosy?
Snakes come in a dazzling array of colors, from greens and browns to vivid reds, yellows, and more. But few are as eye-catching as the pink snake. If you’ve heard of these rosy reptiles and want to know more, you’ve come to the right place.
How long do pink snakes live?
Their lifespan in the wild is estimated between 5-10 years. When selecting a pink snake as a pet, you’ll want to consider a few key factors. The rosy boa and Kenyan sand boa are two of the most docile species that come in stunning pink color variations, making them great choices for beginners.