Mandarin rat snake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mandarin rat snake
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Euprepiophis
Species:	mandarinus
Synonyms
Coluber mandarinus Cantor, 1842 Ablabes pavo Annandale, 1912 Elaphe mandarinus — Stejneger, 1925 Elaphe takasago Takahashi, 1930 Holarchus roulei Angel & Bourret, 1933 Elaphe mandarina — M.A. Smith, 1943 Euprepiophis mandarinus — Utiger et al., 2002 Euprepiophis mandarinus — Gumprecht, 2003

The mandarin rat snake (Euprepiophis mandarinus) is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to Asia. It is closely related to Euprepiophis conspicillata, the Japanese forest rat snake. Mandarin rat snakes are one of the most popular rat snakes found in the pet trade.

Description

It is a relatively small rat snake; adult size is no more than 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) 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 predominantly crepuscular. It occurs from sea level to at least 3,000 m (9,800 ft).