About Elaphe quadrivirgata (Boie, 1826)
This snake typically reaches a length of 1 to 1.5 meters (40 to 60 inches). Its base body color is yellow or light brown, and both its scientific and common names come from the four black longitudinal stripes that most individuals of this species have. Solid black variants of the species exist; these are called karasu-hebi (crow snakes) in Japan. Juveniles are reddish, and have crosswise stripes and a spotted pattern instead of longitudinal stripes, a pattern similar to that of some venomous snakes. Adult dorsal scales are weakly keeled, while juvenile dorsal scales may be smooth, and dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows. The ventral scales are angled along the sides, and number between 193 and 210. The anal scale is usually divided, and the subcaudal scales are also divided (paired), numbering between 70 and 96. This snake occurs throughout all regions of Japan, except for the Ryukyu Islands.
