Colubridae
Persian Ratsnake
HarmlessZamenis persicus
5 photographs of the Persian Ratsnake. © Mohammad Amin Ghaffari.
The Persian Ratsnake (Zamenis persicus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Persian Ratsnake
The Persian ratsnake (Zamenis persicus) is a species of medium-sized nonvenomous snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to Western Asia.
Geographic distribution
Zamenis persicus is found in temperate northwestern Iran and Azerbaijan, in the area near the Caspian Sea.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of Zamenis persicus are forest, shrubland, and rocky areas, at elevations from sea level to 1,700 m (5,600 ft).
Description
Adults of Zamenis persicus are from 70–90 cm (28–35 in) up to 120 cm (47 in) in total length (tail included), and usually jet black or grey with white markings along the lateral portion of the forebody. Males seem to grow larger than females.
Taxonomy
Zamenis persicus has habits very similar to Z. situla, and for many years it was considered a subspecies of Elaphe longissima. It was granted full species status in 1984 (Nilson and Andrén).
Behavior
The Persian ratsnake 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
The diet of Zamenis persicus, like that of most colubrids, consists primarily of small mammals, but it may also eat other small reptiles and amphibians.
Reproduction
Sexually mature female Persian ratsnakes lay clutches of 4–9 eggs, which hatch after 45–55 days.
In captivity
For Zamenis persicus, a hibernation period of 2–3 months is recommended.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Persian Ratsnake
- Is the Persian Ratsnake venomous?
- No. The Persian Ratsnake (Zamenis persicus) 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 Persian Ratsnake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Persian Ratsnake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Persian Ratsnake dangerous?
- The Persian Ratsnake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Persian Ratsnake live?
- The Persian Ratsnake has verified records in 2 countries, including Iran (Islamic Republic of), Azerbaijan. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Persian Ratsnake eat?
- The diet of Zamenis persicus, like that of most colubrids, consists primarily of small mammals, but it may also eat other small reptiles and amphibians.
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
- Zamenis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Zamenis persicus
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.