Mandarin rat snakes are sought-after pets due to their calm, docile temperament and bright yellow bands.

Originally from Asia, they are now kept as pets all over the world. Their diet consists of small rodents, and they often use rodent burrows for shelter.

In captivity, they are often fed frozen rodents.

 

– Appearance and Description –

Mandarin rat snakes have a striking appearance. Their faces are striped black and yellow like a honey bee.

The body is gray, brown, or reddish morphs, with large black diamonds or saddles. Within each black diamond is a smaller yellow diamond.

Unlike other snakes, its bright colors are not due to genetic morphs.

 

Full grown Mandarin rat snakes typically grow to a length of 2.5 to 5 feet, with the majority of individuals remaining less than 4 feet in size.

The longest full grown Mandarin rat snake on record topped out at 6 feet in size.

The snakes stay slender throughout their lives, averaging 1 pound.

Unlike some other snake species, Mandarin rat snakes are not sexually dimorphic males and females look the same. Size varies widely between individuals.

Where To Find Mandarin Rat Snakes

The Mandarin rat snake is endemic or native to Asia. Specifically, it can be found in the countries of India, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China.

Mandarin rat snake habitat includes both fields and woodlands.

They like rocky areas, farms, areas with dense vegetation, and rice fields Basically, they like to live wherever their primary food source rodents live.

The climate in this range is cool with high humidity.

In fact, Mandarin rat snakes have been found living at elevations from sea level to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level.

They are thus more tolerant of cool temperatures (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) than are many other snakes.

If you want to see a Mandarin rat snake, though, the easiest way may be to visit your local pet store.

They are a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts.

These snakes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are likely to be out and about, exploring their well-designed enclosure.

– Population & Conservation Status –

Mandarin rat snake populations have not been evaluated, but they are listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List.

Like most species, future threats include habitat destruction due to land development.

Rising temperatures may also affect this snake.

How Dangerous Are They?

Mandarin rat snakes are not venomous. They are not considered dangerous.

In fact, they are often kept as pets due to their docile temperament.

While lacking venomous fangs, the snakes do have teeth.

If aggravated, they may bite, breaking the skin. A possible infection could result.

– Mandarin Rat Snake Facts –

Mandarin rat snakes have a vibrant coloration, though they lack the genetic mutations that usually produce such color morphs.

Mandarin rat snakes can live up to 21 years.

Mandarin rat snakes are diurnal, meaning they are active only during the day.