Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Colubrinae Higher classification Euprepiophis Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Genus Euprepiophis Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Snake, Euprepiophis, Reptile, Black‑banded trinket sn, Colubridae | ||
Mandarin rat snake euprepiophis mandarinus
Euprepiophis mandarinus, commonly known as the Mandarin rat snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to Asia. It is closely related to Euprepiophis conspicillatus, the Japanese forest rat snake. Mandarin rat snakes are one of the most popular rat snakes found in the pet trade.
Contents
- Mandarin rat snake euprepiophis mandarinus
- Mandarin rat snake
- Description
- Distribution
- Taxonomy
- Natural history
- References
Mandarin rat snake
Description
It is a relatively small rat snake; adult size is 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) or less in total length (body + tail).
Distribution
India (Arunachal Pradesh), Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Taiwan, China (Anhui, Beijing, Chongqing, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Shanghai, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tianjin, Tibet, Yunnan, Zhejiang)
Type locality: China: Chekiang, Chusan island (modern transliteration: Zhejiang, Zhoushan) (Cantor, 1842)
Taxonomy
In recent years there has been some taxonomic controversy over the genera of rat snakes. Based on mitochondrial DNA, Utiger et al. (2002) argued for a splintering of the genus Elaphe and suggested a reworking of the genera.
Natural history
The Mandarin rat snake is a secretive species, often using rodent burrows for shelter. It feeds primarily on small rodents, prefers cooler temperatures, and is predominately crepuscular. It occurs from sea level to at least 3,000 m (9,800 ft).