White-Bellied Rat Snake

Fascinating facts about the White-Bellied Rat Snake

• A quick glance at the forest floor and the white-bellied rat snake will freeze, its neck snapping upright like a tiny spear, an unmistakable warning sign that says "stay back." This posture lets predators think twice, showing how a simple stance can be a snake's armor.
• When the snake is turned over, its belly is white to pale yellowish, contrasting with its brown or brick-red back, and it preys on frogs, lizards, and fish.
• Juvenile white-bellied rat snakes are often greenish in coloration, while adults range from brown to brick-red on the upper surface.

At a glance

About the White-Bellied Rat Snake

The white-bellied rat snake (Ptyas fusca) is found in Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Adults range from brown to brick-red on the upper surface, while juveniles are often greenish. Ventral scales are white to pale yellowish, and thick black stripes run along either side of the posterior body and tail. The pupil is large and rounded. It prefers forested habitats and preys on frogs, lizards and fish. When disturbed it remains still and holds its neck erect in a threatening posture.

More reptiles to discover

Browse Feravox