White-bellied rat snake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids White-bellied rat snake
Adult snake in threat display in Venus Drive, Singapore.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Ptyas
Species:	fusca
Synonyms
Coryphodon fuscus Günther 1858 Zaocys fuscus Günther 1864 Zapyrus fuscus Boulenger 1885 Zaocys (Zapyrus) fuscus Boettger 1887 Zaocys fuscus Boulenger 1893 Ptyas fuscus Wall 1923 Zaocys fuscus Grandison 1978 Zaocys fuscusv Manthey 1983 Ptyas fuscus David & Vogel 1996 Ptyas fuscus Cox et al. 1998 Ptyas fuscus Malkmus et al. 2002 Ptyas fusca David & Das 2004

The white-bellied rat snake (Ptyas fusca), also known as the brown rat snake, is a type of snake found in Southeast Asia. It lives in countries like Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. This snake is part of a group called colubrid snakes, which are generally not venomous.

Where They Live

The white-bellied rat snake loves to live in forests. These snakes prefer places with lots of trees and plants. They are often found on the ground in these wooded areas.

What They Look Like

Adult white-bellied rat snakes can be brown or even a brick-red color on their backs. Their bellies are usually white or a light yellowish color. A cool feature of these snakes is the thick black stripes on both sides of their body near the tail. Young snakes, called juveniles, often have a greenish color. Their eyes have large, round pupils.

What They Eat

These snakes are good hunters. They mostly eat small animals found in their forest homes. Their favorite foods include frogs, lizards, and even fish.

How They Behave

When a white-bellied rat snake feels scared or bothered, it has a special way of reacting. It will often stay very still. Then, it might lift its neck up high. This posture is a way for the snake to look threatening and try to scare away whatever is bothering it.