Common Malayan Racer

The common Malayan racer is widespread across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo and Java. This rat snake is dark grey, with a bright orange vertebral stripe that begins from near the nape and ends towards mid-body. A short series of dark bands with pale spots also occurs below the vertebral stripe. The orbit has a dark radiating pattern while a stripe runs from the base of the head to the lower neck region. Known from lowland to highland rainforest, this species is active during the day or night, feeding on rodents, frogs and lizards. It also sometimes occurs in slightly disturbed habitats fringing jungles, such as plantations.