Mandarin Rat Snake

The Mandarin rat snake is a moderately sized, fossorial colubrid found in mountainous regions of China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam. It is considered one of the most visually striking rat snakes due to its bold saddle-like pattern.

It is completely non-venomous and poses no threat to humans, though its secretive, burrowing lifestyle means it is rarely encountered in the wild.

Its ornate patterning has made it well known among herpetologists and naturalists studying East Asian colubrids.

The Mandarin rat snake has a gray to bluish-gray ground color overlaid with a series of large, black-bordered orange or yellow saddle-shaped blotches running down the back.

• Smooth, glossy scales
• Small, rounded head not distinct from the neck
• Stout, cylindrical body adapted for burrowing
• Round pupils
• Adults reach approximately 0.9-1.2 m in length

This species inhabits cool, moist montane forests and grasslands at moderate to high elevations, often burrowing beneath leaf litter, loose soil, or rocks. Its range spans central and southern China, Taiwan, and adjacent parts of northern Vietnam.

The Mandarin rat snake is secretive and largely fossorial, spending much of its time hidden underground or beneath surface debris, emerging primarily at dusk or after rain. It is generally docile and rarely bites when handled.

It preys on small rodents and other small vertebrates, subduing them by constriction. It is oviparous, with females laying small clutches of eggs during the summer months.