In Vietnam, there is a species of snake with a colorful scale layer and a striking pattern. What is this snake species, and is it dangerous to humans?
Mandarin Rat Snake – A Unique Patterned Snake
The snake referred to above is the Mandarin Rat Snake, scientifically known as Euprepiophis mandarinus.
Many people may find the name of this snake unfamiliar, partly because the Mandarin Rat Snake is a reclusive species, typically inhabiting high-altitude areas at least 3,000 meters above sea level, making encounters with humans quite rare.
The Mandarin Rat Snake, also known as the Quan Thoai Rat Snake, belongs to the family Colubridae. This species is endemic to Asia, found in Vietnam, China, Taiwan, India, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
In Vietnam, this snake species is distributed in the northern mountainous provinces and Lam Dong.
Distribution map of the Mandarin Rat Snake (Image: Wikipedia).
This snake typically resides in forests, along streams, or in grassy areas on hills and mountains. Its primary diet consists of lizards, frogs, toads, mice, birds, and various rodents.
The Mandarin Rat Snake is a small-sized snake, usually not exceeding 1.4 meters in length when fully mature. Unlike other snake species, there is no size differentiation between male and female Mandarin Rat Snakes.
The head and neck of this snake are not distinctly separated. It has an elongated head, suitable for burrowing into dens.
A standout feature of the Mandarin Rat Snake is its beautifully patterned and colorful scales.
Beautiful patterns on the body of the Mandarin Rat Snake. (Image: AZAnimals).
The snake’s back displays a series of colorful diamond shapes, usually black, resembling human eyes from a distance. The head has a dark gray stripe running across the snout, a second stripe across the top of the head between the eyes, and a third stripe forming an inverted “V” shape at the nape. The belly of the snake is yellow, with alternating black and gray markings.
Thanks to its distinctive patterns and vibrant colors, the Mandarin Rat Snake is easily recognizable, even to those who are not very knowledgeable about snakes and reptiles.
Patterns on the Mandarin Rat Snake’s body resemble human eyes from a distance (Image: Getty).
Is the Mandarin Rat Snake Venomous and Dangerous to Humans?
Many people often believe that brightly colored and attractive animals tend to possess deadly venom, such as certain poisonous spiders or frogs found in deep forests. However, this is not the case for the Mandarin Rat Snake.
The Mandarin Rat Snake is a gentle species, making it a popular pet choice (Image: Pinterest).
The Mandarin Rat Snake is a non-venomous member of the Colubridae family. It is also a very gentle and timid snake that tends to avoid human contact.
Due to its characteristics—being docile, non-venomous, and having a striking appearance—the Mandarin Rat Snake has become a favored choice for animal and reptile enthusiasts as a pet.
In captivity, the Mandarin Rat Snake can live up to 21 years.
In Vietnam, the Mandarin Rat Snake is protected by law, prohibiting hunting and trading.
However, this species currently faces habitat loss and overhunting for the pet trade due to its high market value, leading to a decline in the wild population of the Mandarin Rat Snake.
The Mandarin Rat Snake is now listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, prohibiting hunting and trading to protect its population in the wild.
