Colubridae
Big-Eyed Ratsnake
HarmlessPtyas dhumnades
6 photographs of the Big-Eyed Ratsnake. © 黃美滿.
The Big-Eyed Ratsnake (Ptyas dhumnades) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 5 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Big-Eyed Ratsnake
Ptyas dhumnades, commonly known as big-eyed rat snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. It is found in China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
Distribution
The species is widespread in South China (Anhui, Chongqin, Gansu, Fujian,
Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shanghai,
Sichuan, Tianjin,Yunnan, Zhejiang), Vietnam, and Taiwan. It is found at elevations between 50 m and 2,000 m.
Description
It is often confused with other members of the genus Ptyas, particularly Ptyas nigromarginata due to overlapping features but has distinct characteristics that set it apart. It is not entirely clear if these two species are sympatric.
Scalation
Dorsal scale rows: 16; Ventrals: 187–194; Subcaudals: 108-116; Loreals: 1; supralabials: 8; Subralabials entering eye 4-5; Number of dorsal scale rows at midbody keeled: 2 or 4 ; 9: Two distinct medial series of dorsal scales throughout: present ; 10: Distinct longitudinal stripes on lateral side at two-heads length before vent position: present; 11: Anterior part of body green: - false.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Big-Eyed Ratsnake
- Is the Big-Eyed Ratsnake venomous?
- No. The Big-Eyed Ratsnake (Ptyas dhumnades) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Big-Eyed Ratsnake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Big-Eyed Ratsnake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Big-Eyed Ratsnake dangerous?
- The Big-Eyed Ratsnake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Big-Eyed Ratsnake live?
- The Big-Eyed Ratsnake has verified records in 5 countries, including Chinese Taipei, China, Viet Nam. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Ptyas
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Ptyas dhumnades
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.