Colubridae
Flower Snake
HarmlessElaphe moellendorffi
The Flower Snake (Elaphe moellendorffi) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 4 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Flower Snake
Elaphe moellendorffi, commonly called the flower snake, Moellendorf's rat snake, and Moellendorff's trinket snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to mainland Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The specific name, moellendorffi, is in honor of German malacologist Otto Franz von Möllendorff.
Geographic distribution and Habitat
Elaphe moellendorffi is found in China (Guangdong, Guangxi) and Vietnam (Hòa Bình). It may possibly also occur in Laos.
The preferred natural habitats of Elaphe moellendorffi are limestone caves and rocky areas of shrubland and forest, at elevations of 30–300 m (98–984 ft).
Description
Elaphe moellendorffi is a large snake. Adults may attain a total length (including tail) of 1.66 m (5.4 ft).
Behavior
Elaphe moellendorffi is terrestrial and partly arboreal.
Diet
Elaphe moellendorffi preys upon frogs, lizards, rodents, bats, and birds.
Reproduction
Elaphe moellendorffi is oviparous. Clutch size is seven to ten eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Flower Snake
- Is the Flower Snake venomous?
- No. The Flower Snake (Elaphe moellendorffi) 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 Flower Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Flower Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Flower Snake dangerous?
- The Flower Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Flower Snake live?
- The Flower Snake has verified records in 4 countries, including China, Viet Nam, United States of America. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Flower Snake eat?
- Elaphe moellendorffi preys upon frogs, lizards, rodents, bats, and birds.
- Why is it called the Flower Snake?
- The specific name, moellendorffi, is in honor of German malacologist Otto Franz von Möllendorff.
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
- Elaphe
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Elaphe moellendorffi
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.