Archives of The Cold Blooded News

The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society

Volume 29, Number 9;   September, 2002

Taiwan Beauty Snake

Common Name:

Taiwan Beauty Snake (Asian Stripe-tailed Rat Snake)

Scientific Name:

Elaphe taeniurus friesei

Origin:

Taiwan

Size:

1-2 meters (5-7 ft.), max. 2.4m (7.75 ft)

Life span:

12-15 years

Active:

diurnal

Habitat:

many habitats, heavy forest to cultivated fields

Captive care:

40 gal breeder (or 55 gal) aquarium; newsprint, paper towels, cypress bark, fir bark, pine shavings, aspen bedding; water bowl large enough for soaking; hide box, basking rock with lamp for warming, climbing branches

Temperature:

77-86°F (25-30°C), cooler at night

Foods:

rodents: mice or rats (pinky, fuzzy, adult, depending on size of snake)

Temperament:

docile and hardy pets

References:

Bartlett, Patricia, Griswold, DVM, Billy, and Bartlett, R. D. 2001 Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: an identification and care guide. Barren's Educational Series, Inc.,Hauppauge,NY. 279pp.
Staszko, Ray and Walls, Jerry. 1994 Rat Snakes; a hobbyist's guide to Elaphe and kin. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.