Bimaculata and dione are hard enough to tell apart when they are normal, but albinos are really difficult. To tell the truth, this snake doesn't look like either one. It actually looks like Oocatochis rufodorsata, the red-backed ratsnake....

Photo by "Philippe".

Notice the eye somewhat forward on the head making a fairly short snout and the eye slightly high on the head. I know it's really hard to tell, wish I had the snake in hand; but, if we had scalation data, like from a shed skin, we could probably be more accurate.

Rufodorsata females get up to 90cm. Is this one a female? They also can have 19 or 21 mid-dorsal scale rows. The scalation on the side of the head is somewhat diagnostic also. Rufodorsata is pretty much a fish eater. Adults will also eat small mice, lizards, etc. Any feeding notes?

I'm pretty sure it's not a dione, too many things not right there. Bimaculata is the other possibility, but I have some doubts. Notice the more elongate head of this albino bimac from Pro Breeder...

Bimaculata has a snout twice as long as the eye diameter, while rufodorsata has a snout 1 and 1/2 times as long as the eye diameter. And finally, this albino is a much different color tone than yours.

All in all, it's a stunning snake, and it would be fantastic if it were a bimac. It would still be pretty cool if it were a rufo, and a first. What do you think??

Terry

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