About Elaphe climacophora (Boie, 1826)
Adults of Elaphe climacophora reach 1 to 2 meters in length and about 5 centimeters in girth. This species is the largest snake found in Japan outside of the Okinawa region. Their body color is variable, ranging from pale yellow-green to dark blue-green. They can be recognized as Asian rat snakes by the dark streak located behind each eye. Juveniles have a brown stripe pattern, which may act as mimicry of the venomous mamushi. An established wild population of albino individuals of this species exists, with specimens being especially numerous near Iwakuni. In this area, the albino snakes are called "Iwakuni white snakes", and are revered as divine messengers and deity-guardians of mountains and rivers. This albino population was granted protected status as a national monument in 1924.
