Care Sheet Hundred Flower Snake

Care Sheet Moellendorffs Rat Snake

Scientific name

Orthriophis moellendorffi (Elaphe)

Orthriophis is a genus of four rat snakes that were formerly assigned to Elaphe. Based on DNA evidence Utiger et al. elected to create this genus in 2002.

Common Names

Moellendorff's Rat snake, Red-headed Rat snake, Hundred Flower Snake

Males are known to grow larger than females.Distribution

South East China, North Vietnam

Found in thick forests and frequently in caves. They seem to prefer low light conditions, cool temperature and are active mainly in the early morning and late afternoon hoursSize

160 to 180 (Has been known to grow up to 225 to 250 cm)

Life span

More than 15 years.Housing

Vivarium 120x60x80cm (WDH) minimum.FeedingThey prefer smaller food items with pink and fuzzy rats being a favourite. Feeding large food causes stress I never feed anything larger than medium mice)

TemperatureAvoid housing these reptiles too hot as it causes heat stress. 22-24C. At night the temp should be reduced to 1820 C, seems the preferred temperatures. Humidity 5070 %.

These snakes require a humid hiding box, e.g. with sphagnum moss. Poor humidity can lead to skin infections, high temperatures are deadly.Lighting

Daylight fluorescent tube

Substrate

Loose and absorbent substrate Aspen, Beech chips, Forest bark works well as it helps keep the humidity up.

DcorLots of climbing branches, natural or artificial plants, an elevated hiding box (e. g. bird nest box) is appreciated.

Breeding

Hibernate for 3-4 months, mating takes place in the spring with a clutch size of 6-12 eggs requiring 80 plus days of incubation. There are several colour morphs including hypomelanistic, albino, and patternless. NotesThe common name derives from the pattern on the back; the name 100 Flower Snake is used in Southern China. Thousands of WC animals die dehydrated and full of parasites, the species was regarded as non-maintainable before some herpers had breeding success end of the 1980s.

Hatchlings are easy as soon as they start feeding.

Very rare due to massive use as food source in China.

Not for beginners.John Gamesby