Elaphe taeniura
| Beauty rat snake | |
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| Taiwan beauty rat snake (Orthriophis taeniura friesei) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Orthriophis |
| Species: | O. taeniurus |
| Binomial name | |
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Orthriophis taeniurus (Cope, 1861) |
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| Synonyms | |
The beauty rat snake (Orthriophis taeniurus), also called the beauty ratsnake, the beauty snake, or the cave racer, is a species of snake native to the Eastern and Southeastern regions of Asia. The species is known to be long, thin and is a semi-arboreal group of serpents with several recognized subspecies. This constrictor feeds on rodents and though is favored in some locations as a natural pest control or pet, it is also an invasive species in other locations as well.
Living about 15-25 years, the average length of a Beauty Rat Snake (including the tail) is about 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), with an unofficial record of a little less than 8 ft (2.4 m).
Generally speaking, the ground color of O. taeniurus is yellowish-brown to olive which becomes darker at the end of the tail. The skin on the back of the neck and head are uniform in color and the back is marked typically with two pairs of round black spots that meld together. Starting at the back corner of each eye, a black stripe reaches back to each corner of the mouth which is pale cream around the upper labial area.
Subspecies of this species include:
The range of the species covers much of South and Southeastern Asia, excluding Western and Northeastern China. Within these countries, these snakes can be typically found in the rain forests as well as within caves. Currently, there is no specific information on the Beauty Rat Snakes preferred caves, rain forests and climate available.
Due to their preference for caves, these snakes have become able climbers and are known to move along cave walls. This ability becomes a strong asset for them when it comes to hunting. In addition, likely due to its cave-dwelling habits, Beauty Rat Snakes are cathemeral, meaning that they are active at random times during the 24-hour day regardless of whether it is day or night outside.
Relatively small, the Beauty Rat Snakes typically feed on ground rodents such as mice to, due to their climbing abilities, even bats that are roosting within the caves they share. In addition to small mammals, Beauty Rat Snakes have also been known to eat birds and bird eggs occasionally. As constrictors, this species uses heat receptors to find prey by sensing the prey's body heat. Further information on hunting habits of the Beauty Rat Snake is not currently available.
The Beauty Rat Snake species is oviparous and mating usually results about a month after hibernation period which is during times where the temperature is around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). After laying 4-12 eggs, the female will incubate and defend them for about 70 days, only taking occasional breaks to hunt. Recently hatched young range about 30–45 cm (11 3⁄4–17 3⁄4 in) in length. About 2 weeks later they will begin to shed their first skin. Within the next 14 months, hatchlings grow to be about 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) long and are able to breed another 4 months later.
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Wikipedia