| Ptyas fusca | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Adult snake in threat display in Venus Drive, Singapore. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Ptyas |
| Species: | P. fusca |
| Binomial name | |
| Ptyas fusca (Günther, 1858) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Ptyas fusca, commonly known as the white-bellied rat snake or brown rat snake, [2] [3] is a species of colubrid snake. It is found in Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. [4]
The white-bellied rat snake prefers forested habitats. They are known to prey on frogs and lizards and fish. It is known to remain still and hold neck erect when disturbed-a threatening posture.
The adults range from brown to brick-red colour on the upper surface. Ventral scales are white to pale yellowish in colour. Thick black stripes on either side of the posterior body and tail is a characteristic feature. Juveniles often greenish in coloration. The pupil is rounded and large. [5]
