Rhadinophis prasina (BLYTH, 1854)
Synonym : Elaphe prasina, Gonyosoma prasinum

Common name

Green Trinket Snake, Green Bush Rat Snake, Green Ratsnake
Description

Rhadinophis prasina is a very attractive and active snake. It is a medium sized snake of slender build. The average size is between 90 to 120 centimeters. Females grow more robust than the males. The more commonly kept Rhadinophis prasina in captivity, from Thailand have a green coloration with alternating light and dark zones between the scales, which are shown when stretched after a meal. The rarer Vietnam Rhadinophis prasina can have a bluish or turquoise coloration instead of the normal green coloration.

Distribution

Because of the green coloration, it is very hard to spot a Rhadinophis prasina in richly vegetaded areas. Klaus-Dieter Schulz mentions the following distribution zones, though they possibly are incomplete. Klaus-Dieter Schulz mentions: Burma, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Natural history

Most records for Rhadinophis prasina state they inhabit elevated areas between 900 to 2560 meters. Though there have been records of lower elevated areas. In the summer the temperature ranges between 20 to 29 ? Celsius during the day and 17 to 21 ? Celsius at night. During the winter months the temperatures are lower, 15 to 20 ? Celsius during the day and 9 to 13 ? Celsius at night. The areas Rhadinophis prasina inhabits are mainly primary and secondary rainforests. It is assumed that Rhadinophis prasina preys on small rodents, birds and lizards.

Husbandry

The basic terrarium for Rhadinophis prasina should be spacious enough for them to actively move around. Since Rhadinophis prasina likes to climb there should be several branches. Different hiding spaces are appreciated including both moist and dry. A large water bowl is needed since they like to bath. The conditions in the terrarium should be between 22 to 27 ? Celsius during the day and around 20 ? Celsius during the night. The humidity should be around 80 % with frequent spraying of tepid water. Since Rhadinophis prasina is a very active snake, they can be seen during the day and during the night. Their behavior is relatively calm but they can suddenly strike swiftly when threatened.

Breeding

Mating occurs during the Fall and Spring. Eggs are usually laid during April and May. 4 to 11 small eggs are a normal clutch size. After 8 to 9 weeks the eggs hatch at an incubation temperature between 27 to 29 ? Celsius. Hatchlings measure between 20 to 25 centimeters in length. In captivity a female may lay a second clutch in a year. Successful breeding can be achieved without a hibernation period. If you do give them a hibernation period we suggest not to drop the temperature below 15 ? Celsius.

Personal note from Bram

I am keeping Rhadinophis prasina since 2006. Every day I enjoy the activity in the terrarium. My breeding pair have a good appetite and practically never skip a meal. Although the male in the breeding season does go off his food a little, and has to be encouraged by teasing it with the prey. Since I acquired an adult pair I successfully bred Rhadinophis prasina in 2007.