Bulgarian rat snake
A species of Ratsnakes Scientific name : Elaphe sauromates Genus : Ratsnakes
Bulgarian rat snake, A species of Ratsnakes
Scientific name: Elaphe sauromates
Genus: Ratsnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Paragusul , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Blotched snake (Elaphe sauromates), a member of the Colubrinae subfamily of the family Colubridae, is a nonvenomous snake found in Eastern Europe. It grows up to 260Â cm (8' 6") in length but the medium is 120 to 160Â cm. It is one of the largest European snakes. The species has been of cultural and historical significance for its role in ancient Greek and Roman mythology and derived symbolism.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Bulgarian rat snake is primarily an opportunistic carnivore, feeding primarily on small mammals. It favors rodents like mice and voles, but will also actively engage in hunting and consuming lizards, birds, and eggs, dictating a versatile and varied diet.
Appearance
The bulgarian rat snake is a moderately-sized serpent with a slender, cylindrical body and smooth scales. Its dominant color is pale brown, overlaid with darker, irregular-shaped blotches that blend into the background. Females typically grow larger upon maturity. The bulgarian rat snake does not possess remarkable features like horns or wings, but its light ventral side and forked tongue are notable.
Behavior
Bulgarian rat snake is a nocturnal and solitary species, engaging in hunting activities primarily at night. They display a remarkable level of patience, lying in ambush for prey to come within striking distance. Bulgarian rat snake also exhibits mating behavior characterized by combat between males. Their survival adaptation relies largely on camouflage within their habitat.
Photo By Paragusul , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Genus
Ratsnakes Species
Bulgarian rat snake