Facts about Persian Ratsnakes
The Persian Ratsnake (Elaphe persica) is a small ratsnake from temperate northwestern Iran and near the Caspian Sea area. It is 70 to 90 cm (up to 120 cm) long Persian Ratsnakes are normally jet black or grey with white markings along the lateral portion of its forebody. Male Persian ratsnakes seem to grow larger than females. E. persica has habits very similar to E. situla, and for many years it was considered a subspecies of E. longissima. E. persica was granted full species status in 1984 (Nilson and Andrew). It is principally regarded as a terrestrial species, spending most of its time in the leaf litter; however, it is also an agile climber and will mount low brush. Diet of the Persian Ratsnake, like most colubrids, is comprised primarily of small mammals but it may also eat other small reptiles and amphibians. The snake lays a clutch of 4-8 eggs. A hibernation period of 2-3 months is recommended. Eggs of the Persian Ratsnake hatch after 45-55 days of incubation. |
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