Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Reptilarium Animals
Taiwanese Beauty Snake
Conservation status (Vulnerable)
The Beauty rat snake (Orthriophis taeniura, once of the Elaphe complex) is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. It is a long, thin, semi-arboreal species of snake with several recognised subspecies. This constrictor feeds on rodents, and though it is favoured in some locations as a natural pest control or pet, it is also considered an invasive species in other locations.
The average length of the Beauty rat snake (including the tail) is about 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m).
Beauty rat snakes are found in much of southern and southeastern Asia, excluding western and northeastern China. Within these countries, they inhabit rain-forests, tropical dry forests, shrub-land, caves, and agricultural areas.
Beauty rat snakes are semi-arboreal creatures. Due to their preference for caves, they 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 their 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. These harmless snakes almost don’t pose any danger to humans and when sensing danger they prefer to flee.
Beauty rat snakes are carnivores. They typically hunt ground rodents such as mice and, due to their climbing abilities, even bats that are roosting within the caves they share. In addition to small mammals, Beauty rat snakes may also eat birds and bird eggs occasionally.
