Fair question. The taxonomists have been shifting the criteria lately in favor of DNA similarity. Formerly, body shape, scalation and life history were probably the most important indicators. Ratsnakes typically tended to a breadbox cross-section (U-shaped dorsal and lateral with a flat ventral), arboreal lifestyle, strong constriction and warm blooded prey for adults.

That being said, snakes as dissimilar as mandarins, helena and rufodorsatus (a live-bearer for goodness sake!) have at one time or another been considered ratsnakes (Elaphe and kin). There are a number of recent studies based mostly on mtDNA evidence that have reconfigured the family tree of ratsnakes and their closer cousins. If you're intersted I could post some references.
Best regards
John




>>It has an elongated nose, but I wouldn't quite call it an appendage.
>>
>>I ask this out of true ignorance... what qualifies a snake as a "ratsnake"? I assumed that ratsnake moniker was simply a common name and made for some nice cross-over interest with the rear-fanged crowd.
>>
>>Doug T
>>
>>
>>>>Not a ratsnake but a very cool snake. That's the one with the nose appendage? Is it a rear fang?
>>>>
>>>>Best regards
>>>>John
>>>>
>>>>

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