Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Rat Snake Friends:
I'm new to the forum and new as a snke keeper. I have a young western fox snake. It's doing well now after a hibernation period in my basement. He had gone without food for around 5 mo. but is now eating very well.
My first dumb question: I know the name vulpina is latin derived for Fox.
I haven't seen it anywhere; but am assuming the genus name of Elaphe is latin for Rat. Is this true???
I am really enjoying my snke and am considering trying to breed it some day.
Bye for now.

Hi

Found this about the etymology of the name for you on the link below

"elaphe derived from the Greek elaphos meaning "a deer"; possibly in reference to the soft texture of the snake's skin "
Link

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Regards

Jan Grathwohl

ratsnakes:bairdi, bimaculata, climacophora, dione, guttatus, longissimus, schrencki, situla, subocularis, vulpinus gloydi, vulpinus vulpinus
other colubrids:Heterodon nasicus, Lampropeltis t. sinaloae, L. p. woodini
constrictors:Acrantophis dumerilii, Antaresia maculosa, Epicrates c. maurus, Eryx colubrinus, Lichanura t. myriolepis, roseofusca, saslowi, trivirgata, Python regius.

Interesting and thanks for the clue. Not sure if I make the connection with a deer and "soft skin" but can't refute the relation of Greek "Elaphos" and its meaning relating to a deer.
Thanks again.
Tim