Description:
Scientific name: Oreocryptophis porphyraceus
Life span: 10-15 years
Oreocryptophis porphyraceus, sometimes known as the red bamboo snake, black-banded trinket snake, or red mountain racer, is a species of rat snake. The color pattern contains red or orange colors, combined with black bands or stripes, and the skull is short, pointed, and squarish.
Native Region/Habitat
Found in southeastern Asia’s forested hills at mid- to upper-level elevations. Depending on the subspecies and location, they can be found in evergreen tropical forests or dry seasonal forests.
Behavior:
The bamboo rat snake is more difficult to handle than other rat snake species since they are such solitary creatures. They may be flighty and aggressive, and they won’t stay stationary for very long. As a terrestrial species, it can only exist in hills and mountain plateaus due to its preference for cool weather. It is well recognized for being crepuscular, active from dusk to dawn and throughout the night. It is one of the most sought-after rat snake species in captivity.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
- • This species still requires a space where they can spread out completely, maintain their body temperature, and explore, as they like. The minimum size needed to properly care for one bamboo rat snake is 36″L x 18″W x 16″H, while bigger sizes are sometimes used. This enclosure should open from the front and have opaque sides for the snake’s comfort (and to lessen the chance of escape).
- Unlike most snakes, bamboo rat snakes like it cool. On the warm side, they should have a basking surface temperature of between 80 and 84°F and 68 to 74°F. They must always have easy access to a cool spot in the enclosure or they risk becoming stressed and dying. An infrared thermometer should be used to measure temperatures.
- Bamboo rat snakes require a humid, moderately damp habitat that is not drenched in moisture. Ensure nighttime humidity levels are at least 90% and daytime humidity levels between 70 and 80%.
- Bamboo rat snakes are carnivores, which means they must consume their prey whole in order to obtain the nourishment they require. Based on snake size, the following is a basic feeding schedule:
- Feeding for juveniles should occur every 4-6 days.
- Adults need to eat once every seven days.
- Prey should weigh between 5% and 10% as much as your snake and/or be about the same width as its body.
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