Chinese Garter Snake

Chinese Garter Snake

(Oocatochus rufodorsatus)

Distribution
Until recently this species was known as Elaphe rufodorsata. This species of rat snake originates from forested areas of Northeastern China, Korea, Taiwan and Russia (Primorskiy Territory). It is also sometimes referred to as the Chinese Corn Snake, Red Backed Rat Snake or the Frog Eating Rat Snake. It is much more aquatic than the other members of the former elaphe genus

Size

This species grows to on average between 50 and 70cm in total length, occasionally they can reach 90cm (3ft).
Diet
In the wild this species generally eats fish and amphibians. Some will feed on defrosted mice as captives, where as some will never adapt and eat a diet like garter snakes (Thamnophis sp.). Due to its feeding habits it is not recommended for new keepers.
Their main diet consists of earth worms, mollusks, small rodents, fish crickets, strips of raw beef and garter grub. It is very important that these particular snakes are given a varied diet in order to prevent nutritional disorders. If fish is used, it should be defrosted and then dunked in boiling water for 30 seconds to kill the thiaminaise and aid in the reduction of the risk of deficiencies occurring. Freshwater fish is best.
Requirements

Heat Source: - Guarded and thermostatically controlled reflector (spot) lights (in green, blue or red), or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled Heat mats are also a useful source of heat for this species.
Ultra Violet Light Source: - If the keeper decides to use a UVB light, then one of the better brands is the Reptisun 5.0 UVB light. It should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking reptile. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A Vivarium measuring at least 90cm, by 45cm by 45cm (3ft x 18” x 18”) is adequate for an adult pair of this species. NB If you do not intend to breed then keep same sex pairs as this species has live young and does not lay eggs.

Temperature
A basking area, which ranges between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius, is required, with the cooler areas of the enclosure dropping to around 24 degrees Celsius.
Humidity and water
A large water bowl should be available to this species in order to facilitate bathing as well as drinking.
Longevity
This species should on average live for around 15 years if given the correct captive care.
Substrate
Newspaper or chip shop paper is one of the easiest substrates to maintain this species on. Bark Mulch (Dust free), that contains no pine or cedar is a useful alternative as a more aesthetically pleasing substrate, ensure that the pieces are too large to ingest during feeding or feed in a separate feeding box to avoid ingestion.
NB – The photograph was taken from http://www.ratsnakes.com/Erufodorsata.html
A distribution Map can be found in ‘RatSnakes A Hobbyist’s Guide to Elaphe and Kin, Stasko, R & Wall, J G (t. .f. h.)
Further Contacts/websites/Reading
Stuart Dodsworth – stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society – www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society – www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information – http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Elaphe_SP_rufodorsata']
http://www.ratsnakes.com/
Rat Snakes: A hobbyist’s Guide to Elaphe and Kin, By Stasko, R & Walls, J G (t. f. h. 1994 ) ISBN – 0-86622-635-4 - An excellent book on all rat snake species even if the taxonomy is outdated and it contains scale counts and distribution maps.
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
http://www.ratsnakes.com/Erufodorsata.html

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