In terms of a visual difference, the only thing would be the size. Black rats get bigger in most cases. In the wild males are the ones that get big, while females are smaller. In captivity females are usually larger, but males can still get big. The rusty (or het luecy) will be where the most visual difference is. The main difference is temperament. Black rat snakes are usually calmer and easier to tame overall, and Texas rat snakes sometimes never tame out and are always grumpy. You can sometimes find calm black rat babies, but almost never find calm Texas rat babies. I also see bug eyes in Texas rat luecies more often than I do black rat luecies. Also remember to avoid the bug-eyes if you don’t want potential long term health issues with the eyes.
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