Elaphe bimaculata

Twin-spotted ratsnake
File:Elaphe bimaculata.jpg
Elaphe bimaculata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Subfamily:	Colubrinae
Genus:	Elaphe
Species:	E. bimaculata
Binomial name
Elaphe bimaculata (Schmidt, 1925)

Elaphe bimaculata, the twin-spotted ratsnake or Chinese cornsnake, is a small ratsnake (60–80 cm) found in China. It occurs as both blotched and striped phase, with the blotched type being the more common or "typical" phase. Some specimens even exhibit a pattern of half blotched, half striped where the anterior half is usually blotched and the posterior half striped. They are found in many habitats ranging from the edge of forest to cultivated areas and seem to like cooler temperatures and higher humidity. This secretive snake prefers smaller food items such as young to half grown mice. E. bimaculata has been known to breed at different times of the year, usually with 3-10 eggs being laid in late spring; eggs require 35–48 days of incubation. A period of 2–3 months hibernation is typical. Females are known to grow larger and heavier than males.

References

• Reptilia-Denmark: Elaphe bimaculata
• J. Craig Venter Institute: Reptile Database. Elaphe bimaculata
• BioLib. Chinese Leopard Snake Elaphe bimaculata

External links

• Image: Elaphe bimaculata