| King Ratsnake | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Colubrinae |
| Genus: | Elaphe |
| Species: | E. carinata |
| Binomial name | |
| Elaphe carinata |
|
The King Ratsnake or Keeled Ratsnake Elaphe carinata is a species of Colubrid snake found in Southeast Asia.
The other common names "stink snake" or "stinking goddess" refer to this species' highly developed post-anal glands which, when the snake is picked up, are frequently emptied, with a very strong, bad odor. The common name of "King ratsnake" refers to its habit of eating other snakes, including venomous species such as the Chinese cobra and the sharp-nosed viper. It suffocates its prey by constriction, similar to the hunting technique of boas and pythons. It also preys on rodents and other small animals.
The grow to a size of 150 to 170 cm (up to 240 cm).
Distribution: China, North Vietnam, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands