Japanese striped snake
A species of Ratsnakes Scientific name : Elaphe quadrivirgata Genus : Ratsnakes
Japanese striped snake, A species of Ratsnakes
Scientific name: Elaphe quadrivirgata
Genus: Ratsnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Alpsdake , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Elaphe quadrivirgata, commonly known as the Japanese four-lined ratsnake or the Japanese striped snake (Japanese: shimahebi = striped snake), is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake native to Japan.
General Info
Lifespan
10-20 years
Diet
Japanese striped snake is a carnivorous reptile, primarily consuming small rodents. This species exhibits a preference for mammals like mice and rats, employed in its diet as a staple food source.
Appearance
Japanese striped snake is a medium-sized snake with sleek, cylindrical body. It has smooth, polished scales primarily in a vibrant yellow color, boldly intersected by four distinct black stripes running longitudinally down its body. No significant variations in appearance exist across different ages, genders or subspecies. Its slender, tapering tail is an important part of its sinuous silhouette.
Behavior
Japanese striped snake is primarily a nocturnal species known for its tree-dwelling habits. This solitary reptile prefers foraging alone, feeding on small mammals and birds. They often engage in mimicry for defense, displaying body patterns similar to venomous species. This distinctive behavior, combined with their ability to constrict their prey, highlights their adaptations for survival in various Japanese habitats.
Population
Stable
Photo By Alpsdake , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Genus
Ratsnakes Species
Japanese striped snake