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Posted by Tribal Prop on January 13, 2003 at 12:20:37:
In Reply to: I guess no one has any knowledge of a ratsnake not posted by hassanblacktail on January 13, 2003 at 11:56:07:
As we have no practical experience working with the species you mentioned, we were reluctant to offer any information. We have found some husbandry information that may be of some use.
Characteristics: A large snake with a coloration that varies from black to dark brown occasionally
yellow. It has a pointed snout and large eyes and nostrils. Its common name is derived from its heavy
inclination to prey upon rats.
Behavior: A very active often diurnal snake.
It is usually harmless and makes a very
possible attempt to avoid human
confrontation. However the Mr.Hyde of the
Common Ratsnake is clearly revealed once
cornered. First it hisses in attempt to deter its
adversary. If this fails it strikes repeatedly
often drawing blood. If captured its frequency
of striking is increased. This snake never does
well in captivity and often injures itself by
striking against glass walls or wire mesh of the
vivarium. Therefore it is advisable to never
attempt to corner or capture this snake unless
you are ready for a rough treatment.
Food: As its name suggests its staple diet consists of rats. (However Burmese specimens seem to avoid
rats for some reason) It also preys upon frogs, squirrels, birds, bandicoots, lizards and other snakes. It will
even resort to cannibalism if the conditions are right. This snake is known to seek out its prey using its
highly developed sense of smell, track it down and capture it after pursuit. It is also known to storm into
crevices where rats are known to inhabit and capture its prey by surprise. The prey is quickly swallowed
whole often while still alive. Frogs and rats especially can often be heard calling from within its stomach
before succumbing due to its digestive fluids. There have even been cases were frogs have been recovered
intact from killed individuals.
This snake however often ends up being preyed upon by other species. Mongooses, eagles, kraits and
cobras frequently prey upon this snake. It is also consumed by the Burmese and certain Indian Tribes.
Breeding: Oviparous. Breeding patterns very considerably according to climate and little has been studied
about them in local regions. The male and female tend to remain together for a while after mating has
taken place before going their own separate ways. The clutch varies from 9 to 14. The period of gestation
and incubation tend to vary considerably as with the size of the eggs which are often 50mm in length.
Growth: The hatchlings are usually around 40cm long and very active. They grow very quickly and reach
sexual maturity at around 1.5 m in around three years. The average length of this snake is around1.8m
with 2.4m being the maximum length though outsized specimens up to 3.3m (sic) are also occasionally
reported. This snake sloughs on a monthly basis.
Venom: Non-Venomous/Rear fanged
Identification: At a distance the characteristic dark brown dorsal and yellowish brown ventral coloration
would often set it apart from other Sri Lankan snakes. It can be verified by its Loreal shield which is
divided into three shields, unique among Sri Lankan snakes. Its eye is also proportionately larger than most
other snakes and is touched by the fourth and fifth pairs of Supralabials instead of the stereotype third and
fourth pairs.
Lepidosis:
Rostral: Extends for over a third of the width of the snout.
Frontal: Anterior part curved inwards while the posterior section is wedge shaped.
Supraocular: Nearly as long as the Frontal.
Parietals: Comparatively smaller and the outer edge curves inwards.
Prefrontals: Wide and compressed between the Intranasals and Frontal-Supraocular system.
Intranasals: The entire system is semi-circular in form.
Nasals: Situated on the sides of the head and vertically bisected by the nostril.
Loreals: Divided into three, in some anomalous specimens it may be four or five.
Preoculars: Divided into two of which the upper shield is larger.
Postoculars: Divided into two equal shields.
Temporal: Divided into three.
Supralabials: Eight pairs of which the fourth and fifth pairs touch the eye.
Mental: Sharply pointed.
Infralabials: Six pairs of which the first is curved inwards. The fifth and sixth pairs are considerably
larger than the rest.
Sublinguals: Anterior pair touches the first five pairs of Infralabials. The Posterior pair is larger than
the Anterior.
Ventrals: 180 to 213
Anal: Divided (May be entire in anomalous examples)
Subcaudals: 95 to 146 divided (Occasionally entire)
Costals: Vertebral row marginally enlarged.
Dentition:
Maxillary: 20 to 24
Palatine: 14 to 18
Pterygoid: 21 to 24
Mandibular: 17 to 22
Habitat: A very versatile snake preferring any kind of habitat from thick jungles to paddy fields. It tends
to avoid water.
Distribution: Indian Subcontinent, Afganistan, Southern China, Indo-China, Malay peninsular, Caspian
region, Java
Sri Lankans naturally know how abundant this snake is. Can be found throughout the island in shear
abundance up to altitudes of over 1800m. It often ventures into human dwellings where it feeds on rodent
pests. Unfortunately many Sri Lankans are inclined to chase it away by using kerosene oil (paraffin)
regardless of its effectiveness as a rat controller.
As a sugestion. we would recommend trying the rear fanged forum as they have had past discussions about the species in question. Good luck!
Tribal Propagation
Brian and Laura Hamel
1255 Saratoga Lane
Geneva, FL 32732
407-349-2824
www.tribalpropagation.com
