Facts about Japanese Rat Snakes
The Japanese rat snake (Elaphe climacophora) is a medium sized snake The Japanese rat snake is found throughout the Japanese archipelago (except the far South West). In Japanese it is known as the Aodaisho or "Blue General". They were favoured by farmers as effective rat control (though unpopular with chicken rearers). The Japanese rat snake is a member of the Colubrid family. Adults reach a length of between one and two meters and a girth of about five centimeters The Japanese rat snake is the largest Japanese snake outside of Okinawa. The color is rather variable, from pale yellow-green to a dark blue-green. The young snakes have a pattern of brown stripes, which may be an example of mimesis to the venomous mamushi. The Japanese rat snake is a non-venomous snake. Japanese rat snakes eat a variety of small animals: rodents, frogs or lizards. The Japanese rat snakes are strong climbers and often raid birds nests. Natural enemies of these snakes include Eagles and Raccoon Dogs. The snakes hibernate for three to four months. They mate in spring. The Japanese rat snakes lay 7-20 eggs in early summer. |
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