Keeled Rat Snake

Southeast Asia Snakes

Snakes ~ Rat Snakes ~ Keeled Rat Snake

This large and magnificent rat snake species occupies lowland rainforest throughout Southeast Asia in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Borneo and Indonesia. It is terrestial and most likely diurnal. The body ranges from chocolate brown to greyish black and is covered with thin whitish to yellowish keeled bands, with more bands towards the tail. The lower part of the body towards the tail tip is highly carinated in patterning.

The keeled rat snake has rather large eyes with yellowish green irises. They are aggressive by disposition and capable of inflicting a very painful bite. They have also been reported to possess venom glands. In the wild, the keeled rat snake hunts frogs and lizards for prey, and mammals feature on the diet only very occasionally. Locals often confuse this species with king cobras.