Elaphe quadrivirgata, the Japanese Four-lined Ratsnake, or Japanese Striped Snake (Japanese: shimahebi = striped snake) is a non-venomous snake native to Japan. It is found in all areas of the country apart from the Ryukyu Islands. It typically grows to a length of 1-1.5 meters. The snake has yellow or light brown ground color, and gets its name from the four black lengthwise stripes sported by most of the species. All-black variants exist; these are known in Japan as karasu-hebi (crow snakes).
Juveniles are reddish and instead of lengthwise stripes have crosswise stripes and a spotted pattern similar to some venomous snakes. photo photo
Elaphe quadrivirgata is an active, diurnal snake. It feeds on a variety of prey items, including frogs, lizards, insects, rodents, as well as birds and their eggs.
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