Picture: J. Bulian
Coelognathus radiatus (Copperheaded Racer) Thai: (ngu tang maprao lai keet)
Length: Up to 230 cm. These snakes generally reach a length between 150 and 180 cm. Occurrence: The Copperhead Rat Snake is found throughout Thailand. Behaviour/habitat:
Coelognathus radiatus resides in all types of habitats up to a height of 1500 meters. You will find this snake in wooded areas, as well as cultivated land, villages and towns. These snakes live at ground level and are active mostly during the day and sometimes at twilight and at night. This fast snake flees if it sense danger. If they are cornered, they show typical defensive behaviour in that they shape their body into a double S and snap at their opponent. If they are not successful with
this tactic, they play dead by lying on their back with their mouth open and let their tongue hand out. Their food is rodents, birds, lizards and frogs. Danger: None. This snake is non-poisonous |