Red-tailed ratsnake
Taxonomy:
|
Taxonomy:
| Class |  | Reptilia |
| Order: | | Squamata |
| Family: | | Colubridae |
| Genus and species: | | Gonyosoma oxycephala |
Despite the name, adult red-tailed ratsnakes can have red, orange, or gray tails. Juveniles have black spots that generally fade as they age. Most adults are bright green.
The red-tailed ratsnake has ridges on its ventral scales that help it grip the trunks and branches of the trees, where it spends most of its time.
Red-tailed ratsnakes are carnivorous reptiles, eating birds, frogs, lizards, small mammals, and even their own eggs and nestlings.
Because these snakes breed year-round, females can produce three to four clutches in one year. Similar to most other reptiles, red-tailed ratsnakes lay their eggs and then leave the nest.
