Beauty Rat Snake (Black‑browed Rat Snake; Orthriophis taeniurus, formerly Elaphe) is a large, non‑venomous colubrid across East and parts of Southeast Asia. An adept climber and cave user, it preys mostly on rodents and birds. IUCN: Least Concern (LC).
Ecology & Behaviour
Active at forest edges, farmland mosaics, karst/caves and village margins; largely diurnal with crepuscular peaks. Diet includes rats, eggs, nestlings and lizards. When threatened it tail‑vibrates and releases musk.
Identification
Adults 1.5–2.2 m (larger possible). Yellow‑olive/brown dorsum with a bold black post‑ocular brow extending onto the neck; posterior dark cross‑bands; pale yellow belly. Differs from similar rat snakes by the thicker brow‑stripe and stronger banding.
Reproduction
Oviparous; spring–early summer mating; clutches of 6–18 eggs; incubation ~50–70 days.
Range & Status
SE/E China (incl. Taiwan) to N/C Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar in hilly forests and semi‑rural habitats; widespread and stable overall, with local threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
