By it's phenotype alone without knowing(or seeing)any of the parental lineage, or even before that, I would basically call it an Everglades all day long, although it is always possible it could have a much smaller percentage of Yellow in it genetic composition as well. But these snakes are variable just like any other snake is, and some will always be a bit more "outstanding", or "text-book" looking than some others, that's really all there is to it.

The less white on the throat is always a desired trait to see in very exceptional rossalleni, and vivid orange irises along with an orange/brown belly is another key characteristic as well as a nice solid red tongue. All these factors combined are what sets the Everglades apart from it's very close relative, the Yellow Ratsnake(quadrivittata).

Some can also tend to retain more of their juvenile blotched pattern too, while others can even have greatly reduced longitudinal dorsal stripes and be an almost solid red/orange.

The mother of the one I just posted there was basically a more solid red/orange coloration. She was wild-caught in Hendry County just west of Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

Hope this helps some.


~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

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