Radiated Rat Snake

The radiated rat snake, also called the copperhead racer, is a slender, agile colubrid distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Its common name refers to the distinctive dark stripes radiating outward from the eyes across the head.

This species is non-venomous, though it is known to be quick-tempered and defensive when approached, often bluffing aggressively despite posing no medically significant risk.

It is a frequently encountered snake in open and disturbed habitats throughout much of its range.

The body is tan, olive, or grayish-brown with a coppery hue on the head, and often marked with faint dark stripes running along the front third of the body.

• Several dark stripes radiating from the eye across the head, giving rise to its name
• Slender, elongated body built for speed
• Large eyes with round pupils
• Smooth dorsal scales
• Adults typically reach 1.5-2.0 m

This species favors open, disturbed habitats including grassland, scrubland, agricultural fields, and forest edges at low elevations. It ranges across India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, and parts of the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia.

The radiated rat snake is diurnal and extremely fast-moving, often fleeing rapidly when disturbed but capable of an aggressive defensive display involving loud hissing and repeated striking if cornered.

It feeds on rodents, birds, frogs, and other small vertebrates, actively pursuing prey rather than ambushing it. It is oviparous, laying clutches of roughly 6 to 15 eggs.