Four-lined snake
A species of Ratsnakes, Also known as Four-lined ratsnake Scientific name : Elaphe quatuorlineata Genus : Ratsnakes
Four-lined snake, A species of Ratsnakes
Also known as:
Four-lined ratsnake
Scientific name: Elaphe quatuorlineata
Genus: Ratsnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Elaphe quatuorlineata (common names: four-lined snake, Bulgarian ratsnake) is a member of the family Colubridae. The four-lined snake is a non-venomous species and one of the largest in the Colubridae.
General Info
Lifespan
10-20 years
Diet
Four-lined snake is a primary predator of small mammals, particularly rodents. It uses its sharp, backward-facing teeth to capture and swallow its prey whole. Occasionally, four-lined snake also includes birds and lizards in its diet, depending on availability.
Appearance
The four-lined snake is a large snake, growing up to 2.5 meters in length. It has a slender, muscular body covered in smooth scales, which are primarily grey, brown or olive. Unique dark brown or black crossbars form a distinctive pattern on its back while its underside is lighter. In young four-lined snake, the colors are brighter, and the patterns more pronounced. No notable differences exist between genders.
Behavior
Four-lined snake is a solitary, nocturnal species. It uses hiding techniques for protection and hunts small mammals and birds in its habitat. During breeding season, males exhibit aggressive territorial behavior. Winter months are typically spent in a state of hibernation.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By rbrausse , 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
Four-lined snake