Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell what kind of ratsnake this is. And have you ever seen a ratsnake do this before??

here

That's a standard ratsnake defense behavior. That snake is really, really not a happy camper.

Looks like E. radiata to me.

Anyone else?

--Naamah

I believe it's a radiated ratsnake, or Coelognathus (Elaphe) radiatus. The behavior with vertically inflated throat and S-shape stance, is typical defensive behavior for many Asian ratsnake species. Some species of Gonyosoma and Coelognathus even have a special inflatable pouch in the anterior part of their body cavity, if I remember correctly. They are very old species in these genera and have some pretty fantastic behaviors. The radiated ratsnake, or racer, even can play dead, the way a hognose snake would do.

Definately a Radiata, displaying its usual radiata personality.
I have an albino pair, who after nearly 2 years have finally started to calm down, and seldom bite, but still do the throat thing.
As Terry says a display also common to Gonyosoma, pretty impressive when you witness it.

That is an awesome pic of the behavior...and here is one from RK Reptiles of a green tree rat in a partial defensive pose.

A blue-green tongue. Cool beyond the telling of it. I gotta get me one of those (and everything else).

--Naamah

My most attractive green Gonyosoma...