About Elaphe carinata (Günther, 1864)
Elaphe carinata is a large species of snake, with a maximum total length of 240 cm (7.9 ft). It is an active predatory snake that feeds extensively on mice, birds, bird eggs, and frogs, and sometimes preys on grasshoppers, beetles, lizards, and other snakes. Elaphe carinata is distributed across China, northern Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. This snake is one of the main species used in China's snake trade. It is particularly common in the snake skin trade, and live individuals are also traded. It is the most frequently found snake available in Chinese restaurants. Elaphe carinata, also called the king rat snake, is also part of the exotic pet trade. Although it was once seen as an undesirable pet due to its nervous temperament and strong odor, it has been growing in popularity among reptile keepers. Several genetic color mutations of this species are currently being bred, one of which is the Albino mutation.
