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Description
Russian Rat Snake (Elaphe schrenckii)
Scientific Name: Elaphe schrenckii
Common Name: Russian Rat Snake, Amur Rat Snake
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) in length, with a robust, muscular build and smooth, slightly glossy scales.
Appearance: The Russian Rat Snake is a striking large-bodied colubrid known for its deep black coloration accented by pale yellow or cream bands. The body is typically jet black to dark brown with narrow, irregular crossbands or speckling that fade toward the tail. The underside is lighter, often cream or yellow with black checkering, and the head is broad, angular, and glossy. Juveniles display brighter yellow and brown patterning, which gradually darkens into the adult’s bold black-and-gold contrast. This colour transition, combined with the species’ calm nature, makes it one of the most admired Eurasian colubrids.
Distribution: Found across northeastern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East, including the Amur region from which it takes its common name.
Habitat: Russian Rat Snakes inhabit temperate forests, meadows, river valleys, and agricultural zones throughout northeastern Asia. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.
Behaviour: This species is primarily diurnal and semi-arboreal, spending time both on the ground and in low vegetation. Russian Rat Snakes are known for their calm, intelligent demeanour and adaptability to cooler climates. They are excellent climbers and capable swimmers, often active and inquisitive in captivity.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Adults should be housed in enclosures measuring at least 5 feet × 2 feet × 2 feet, with larger always preferred. Provide ample floor space, sturdy climbing branches, and multiple hides. A naturalistic substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or cypress mulch helps maintain moderate humidity while allowing burrowing.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking area around 86°F (30°C). Allow nighttime drops to 65–70°F (18–21°C). Keep humidity between 50–65%, with periodic misting and a humid hide to aid shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Adults may also accept chicks or quail occasionally as enrichment.
Behaviour in Captivity: Russian Rat Snakes are intelligent, alert, and generally docile once acclimated. They tolerate handling well and make excellent display animals due to their size, activity level, and visual appeal.
Special Considerations: This species thrives in cooler conditions compared to most colubrids. It can tolerate mild seasonal temperature variation, making it suitable for keepers in temperate climates. Their calm temperament and striking coloration make them popular among both new and experienced snake keepers.
Genetics Note
Russian Rat Snakes exhibit regional and genetic variation across their range, with some individuals showing more yellow banding or brighter head markings. In captivity, a few selectively bred morphs exist, including Albino (recessive)—which replaces the typical black coloration with bright yellow and white—and Axanthic (recessive) forms that produce silvery-grey tones by removing warm pigmentation. A melanistic variant, displaying a near-solid black body with minimal pattern, also occurs naturally in some populations. Despite these rare morphs, most specimens in herpetoculture are wild-type, valued for their glossy black-and-gold contrast and cold-hardy nature.
Species Summary
The Russian Rat Snake (Elaphe schrenckii) is a large, hardy, and intelligent colubrid prized for its striking pattern, calm temperament, and adaptability to cooler climates. With its smooth black scales and cream banding, it is one of the most visually impressive snakes of northern Asia. Naturally beautiful and easy to maintain under proper care, the Russian Rat Snake remains a standout species for keepers seeking a display animal that balances visual appeal with manageable husbandry.