Japanese striped snake

Last updated

Japanese four-lined ratsnake
Elaphe quadrivirgata.JPG
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Elaphe
Species:
E. quadrivirgata
Binomial name
Elaphe quadrivirgata
(H. Boie, 1826)
Synonyms

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.

Contents

Geographic range

It is found in all areas of Japan apart from the Ryukyu Islands.

Description

It typically grows to a length of 1-1.5 m (40–60 in). The snake has a yellow or light brown ground color, and gets its scientific and common names from the four black lengthwise stripes sported by most individuals of the species. All-black variants exist; these are known in Japan as karasu-hebi (crow snakes).

Juveniles are reddish, and instead of lengthwise stripes have crosswise stripes and a spotted pattern similar to some venomous snakes. photo

The dorsal scales, which are weakly keeled in adults but may be smooth in juveniles, are arranged in 19 rows. The ventrals, which are angulate laterally, number 193–210. The anal scale is usually divided, and the subcaudals, which are also divided (paired), number 70–96. [2]

Behavior

Elaphe quadrivirgata is an active, diurnal snake.

Diet

It feeds on a variety of prey items, including frogs, lizards, insects, rodents, as well as birds and their eggs.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corn snake</span> Species of snake

The corn snake is a species of North American rat snake in the family Colubridae. The species subdues its small prey by constriction. It is found throughout the southeastern and central United States. Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, the corn snake lacks functional venom and is harmless. The corn snake is beneficial to humans because it helps to control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease.

<i>Pantherophis obsoletus</i> Species of snake

Pantherophis obsoletus, also known commonly as the western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, or simply black snake, is a nonvenomous species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to central North America. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid. Its color variations include the Texas rat snake. Along with other snakes of the eastern United States, like the eastern indigo snake and the eastern racer, it is called “black snake”.

<i>Leptophis ahaetulla</i> Species of snake

Leptophis ahaetulla, commonly known as the lora or parrot snake, is a species of medium-sized slender snake of the family Colubridae. It is endemic to Central America and northern South America.

<i>Erythrolamprus cobella</i> Species of snake

Erythrolamprus cobella, commonly known as the mangrove snake, is a species of small semi-aquatic snake, which is endemic to South America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aesculapian snake</span> Species of snake

The Aesculapian snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake native to Europe, a member of the Colubrinae subfamily of the family Colubridae. Growing up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length, it is among the largest European snakes, similar in size to the four-lined snake and the Montpellier snake. The Aesculapian snake has been of cultural and historical significance for its role in ancient Greek, Roman and Illyrian mythology and derived symbolism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen snake</span> Species of snake

The queen snake is a species of nonvenomous semiaquatic snake, a member of the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trinket snake</span> Species of snake

The common trinket snake is a nonvenomous constrictor species of colubrid snake native to south Central Asia.

Elaphe hodgsoni, the Hodgson's rat snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is found in parts of Asia around the Himalayas.

<i>Pantherophis vulpinus</i> Species of snake

Pantherophis vulpinus, commonly known as the foxsnake or the eastern fox snake, is a species of nonvenomous rat snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern racer</span> Species of snake

The eastern racer or North American racer is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to North America and Central America. Eleven subspecies, including the nominotypical subspecies, are recognized, which as a group are commonly referred to as the eastern racers. The species is monotypic in the genus Coluber.

<i>Euprepiophis conspicillata</i> Species of snake

Euprepiophis conspicillata, commonly known as the Japanese forest rat snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to Japan. Its Japanese common name, jimuguri, roughly translates to "the burrower". It is closely related to Euprepiophis mandarinus, the Mandarin rat snake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ladder snake</span> Species of snake

The ladder snake is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to southwestern Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European ratsnake</span> Species of snake

The European ratsnake or leopard snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to Europe, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crayfish snake</span> Species of snake

The crayfish snake, also known commonly as the glossy crayfish snake, the glossy swampsnake, the glossy water snake, and the striped water snake, is a species of semiaquatic snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, and preys mainly on crayfish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Striped whipsnake</span> Species of snake

The striped whipsnake is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. It is closely related to the California whipsnake. The striped whipsnake is native to the western United States and adjacent northern Mexico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Four-lined snake</span> Species of snake

Elaphe quatuorlineata is a member of the family Colubridae. The four-lined snake is a non-venomous species and one of the largest of the European snakes.

<i>Pantherophis alleghaniensis</i> Species of snake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis, commonly called the eastern rat snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow-red rat snake</span> Species of snake

The yellow-red rat snake is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Mexico and Central America. Three subspecies are recognized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steppe ratsnake</span> Species of snake

Elaphe dione, commonly known as Dione's ratsnake, the steppe ratsnake, or the steppes ratsnake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Asia and Eastern Europe. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.

Elaphe davidi is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to East Asia.

References

  1. The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
  2. Boulenger, G.A. 1894. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume II., Containing the Conclusion of the Colubridæ Aglyphæ. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, Printers). London. xi + 382 pp. + Plates I.- XX. (Coluber quadrivirgatus, pp. 59–60.)

Further reading