Elaphe
| Elaphe | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Japanese Ratsnake, E. climacophora | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Colubrinae |
| Genus: |
Elaphe Wagler, 1833 |
| Synonyms | |
|
Bogertophis, Callopeltis, Coelognathus, Coluber, Elaphis, Natrix, Pantherophis, Pityophis, Scotophis, Senticolis |
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Bogertophis, Callopeltis, Coelognathus, Coluber, Elaphis, Natrix, Pantherophis, Pityophis, Scotophis, Senticolis
Elaphe is one of the main genera of the rat snakes, which are found in many regions of the northern hemisphere. Elaphe are medium to large constrictors by nature. All species are nonvenomous. Although all of the species in Elaphe are nonvenomous, bites from rat snakes are still irritably painful and can potentially cause bacterial infections due to the saliva.
Based on the mitochondrial DNA analysis results, many species of Elaphe have been moved to the genera Bogertophis, Coelognathus, Gonyosoma, Orthriophis, Pantherophis, Rhinechis, Senticolis, Zamenis and more. Nevertheless, the name Elaphe is still widely used.
Like most of the rat snakes, Elaphe generally have slender but sturdy bodies, square heads and extremely flat bellies Their sizes range from large medium to very large, growing even as large as 108 inches. Elaphe have large numbers of vertebrae, ribs and ventral scales but few rows of dorsal scales. The dorsal scales of Elaphe are characterized by having slight keels. In cross section Elaphe are shaped like a loaf of bread, the flat belly meeting the sides of the body at an angle. This special physical characteristic is well observed in Elaphe obsoleta whose belly scales curve upward. The curving of the ventral scales renders Elaphe better traction for tree climbing.
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Wikipedia