Steppe ratsnake
A species of Ratsnakes Scientific name : Elaphe dione Genus : Ratsnakes
Steppe ratsnake, A species of Ratsnakes
Scientific name: Elaphe dione
Genus: Ratsnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By yuriydanilevsky , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Elaphe dione, commonly known as the Steppes ratsnake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Steppe ratsnake are primarily carnivores, specializing in preying on small rodents like voles and mice. They also consume birds and their eggs, lizards, and occasionally invertebrates, demonstrating a varied, opportunistic feeding habit.
Appearance
Steppe ratsnake is a moderately sized snake with a slender, cylindrical body. Its scales are smooth and glossy with a primary color of light brown, featuring an intricate pattern of black and orange stripes along its body. Its mouth is relatively small, dominated by a pair of protruding eyes with vertical pupils. There are no significant differences in appearance between age groups, genders, or subspecies.
Behavior
Steppe ratsnake exhibits primarily nocturnal behaviors, active during twilight hours. This species is known for its solitary nature and remarkable camouflage abilities, blending in with the forest floor and leaf litter. It is non-aggressive unless threatened, usually fleeing from danger. Steppe ratsnake is a nonmigratory species, displaying a strong sense of territoriality, especially during mating seasons.
Population
Stable
Photo By yuriydanilevsky , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Genus
Ratsnakes Species
Steppe ratsnake