3-metre adult photographed in a stream in the Central
Catchment Forest, Singapore.
80cm juvenile. Central Catchment Forest, Singapore.
3-metre adult, Taman Negara, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.
3-metre adult, Taman Negara, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. |
A stunning species, the
White-bellied Rat Snake is rarely encountered as it prefers deeply forested
habitat. The snake in these photos was found patrolling a small forest
stream, presumably hunting for prey such as frogs and lizards; perhaps fish
also form a part of its diet as this specimen was at ease with its head
underwater. When disturbed it will remain still, with neck erect in a
threatening posture.
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The tongue is long,
with a blue stripe down the centre.
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The tail
exhibits a thick black stripe on either side. |
Adults are mainly brown in colour
with white to pale yellow ventral scales, the identifying feature being the
thick black stripes on either side of the posterior body and tail.
Juveniles may be paler in colour, sometimes greenish. The
typical Rat Snake eyes have round pupils.
The species ranges from
southern Thailand, through the Malay Peninsular and Singapore, to Sumatra
and Borneo.
Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Zaocys fuscus
Maximum Size : 2.9 metres
References
: H1
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