Tiger Keelback
Rhabdophis tigrinus
A East Asian colubrid that feeds on toads.
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.5 m (2.3-5 ft)
- Range
- East Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Russian Far East)
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Overview
The Tiger Keelback, known in Japan as Yamakagashi, is a colubrid widespread across East Asia.
How to identify it
- Olive to greenish-brown body with irregular reddish-orange and black blotches, especially pronounced toward the front third
- Pattern fades in some populations, giving a more uniform brownish appearance
- Keeled dorsal scales
- Head slightly distinct from neck, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.7-1.5 m in length
Habitat & range
Found in rice paddies, marshes, grasslands, and forest edges near water across Japan, the Korean Peninsula, mainland China, and parts of the Russian Far East. It favors humid lowland and hilly habitats close to amphibian breeding sites.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and semi-aquatic, feeding heavily on frogs and toads. When threatened it may arch and flatten its neck to display the nuchal gland area rather than strike immediately. It is oviparous, with females laying clutches of roughly 10-40 eggs depending on body size and region.
Frequently asked questions
Where does it live?
It ranges across Japan, Korea, China, and the Russian Far East, especially near rice paddies and wetlands.
What does it eat?
Mostly frogs and toads.
Tiger Keelback guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Tiger Keelback.
