Texas rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Texas rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri) (origin: The southern USA: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas). Adult size around 105–180 cm (rarely up to ~215 cm). Life expectancy 15–20+ years in captivity. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Texas rat snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 215×110×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe); (adult; likes to climb, a large species).
Texas rat snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C (local hot spot), at night 18–20 °C.
Texas rat snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB not essential, weak UVB recommended.
Texas rat snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20+ years in captivity.
Texas rat snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 30–32 °C (local hot spot)
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- UVB not essential, weak UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 215×110×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe); (adult; likes to climb, a large species)
- Substrate
- Forest humus or bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, hides, a bathing basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats matched to their girth
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–14 days, juveniles every 5–7 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 105–180 cm (rarely up to ~215 cm)
- Life expectancy
- 15–20+ years in captivity
- Origin
- The southern USA: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas
- Protection status
- Not protected (no CITES, no German nature conservation listing), no registration duty
- Brumation
- A winter rest of about 8–12 weeks at about 10–15 °C (recommended for breeding)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly – solitary and territorial; only temporarily for supervised breeding
Notes
The southern subspecies of the black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri, formerly Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri). Semi-arboreal, often spirited and bitey, especially as a juvenile – they calm down with regular handling. Care as for P. obsoletus; a large, tall enclosure is needed.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Texas rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Baird's rat snake (Pantherophis bairdi) – Beginner
- Great Plains rat snake (Pantherophis emoryi) – Beginner
- Western fox snake (Pantherophis vulpinus) – Beginner
- Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) – Beginner
- Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) – Beginner
- Black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) – Intermediate
- Slowinski's corn snake (Pantherophis slowinskii) – Beginner
- Russian rat snake (Elaphe schrenckii) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Texas rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 215×110×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe); (adult; likes to climb, a large species)), substrate (Forest humus or bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, hides, a bathing basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 24 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, bmleh.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eur-lex.europa.eu, tropic-shop.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).