Colubridae
Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake
HarmlessElaphe quadrivirgata
3 photographs of the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake. © りなべる.
The Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake (Elaphe quadrivirgata) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 6 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake
Elaphe quadrivirgata, commonly known as the Japanese four-lined ratsnake or the Japanese striped snake (Japanese: shimahebi = striped snake), is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake native to Japan.
Geographic range
It is found in all areas of Japan apart from the Ryukyu Islands.
Description
It typically grows to a length of 1-1.5 m (40–60 in). The snake has a yellow or light brown ground color, and gets its scientific and common names from the four black lengthwise stripes sported by most individuals of the species. All-black variants exist; these are known in Japan as karasu-hebi (crow snakes).
Juveniles are reddish, and instead of lengthwise stripes have crosswise stripes and a spotted pattern similar to some venomous snakes.
photo
The dorsal scales, which are weakly keeled in adults but may be smooth in juveniles, are arranged in 19 rows. The ventrals, which are angulate laterally, number 193–210. The anal scale is usually divided, and the subcaudals, which are also divided (paired), number 70–96.
Behavior
Elaphe quadrivirgata is an active, diurnal snake.
Diet
It feeds on a variety of prey items, including frogs, lizards, insects, rodents, as well as birds and their eggs.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake
- Is the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake venomous?
- No. The Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake (Elaphe quadrivirgata) 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 Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake dangerous?
- The Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake live?
- The Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake has verified records in 6 countries, including Japan, United States of America, Russian Federation. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake eat?
- It feeds on a variety of prey items, including frogs, lizards, insects, rodents, as well as birds and their eggs.
Where it is found
By U.S. state
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 quadrivirgata
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.