Elaphe moellendorffi


Elaphe moellendorffi, commonly called the flower snake, Moellendorf's rat snake, and Moellendorff's trinket snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to mainland Southeast Asia.

Etymology

The specific name, moellendorffi, is in honor of German malacologist Otto Franz von Möllendorff.

Geographic distribution and Habitat

Elaphe moellendorffi is found in China and Vietnam. It may possibly also occur in Laos.
The preferred natural habitats of Elaphe moellendorffi are limestone caves and rocky areas of shrubland and forest, at elevations of.

Description

Elaphe moellendorffi is a large snake. Adults may attain a total length of.

Behavior

Elaphe moellendorffi is terrestrial and partly arboreal.

Diet

Elaphe moellendorffi preys upon frogs, lizards, rodents, bats, and birds.

Reproduction

Elaphe moellendorffi is oviparous. Clutch size is seven to ten eggs.