What is the scientific name of the Chinese Beauty Ratsnake?

The scientific name of the Chinese Beauty Ratsnake is Orthriophis taeniura taeniura.

What are other common names for the Chinese Beauty Ratsnake?

The Chinese Beauty Ratsnake is also known as Beauty ratsnake, Beauty snake, Cave dwelling ratsnake, and Cave racer.

Where are Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes native to?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are native to China.

How big do Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes get?

Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes typically reach about 4-6 ft.

How long do Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes live?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake need?

Recommended temperatures for a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake need?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes need 60-70% humidity.

Do Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 36”x18”x36” (minimum), 48”x24”x48” (ideal); Adult: 72”x24”x48” (minimum), 72”x48”x48” (ideal). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes eat?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Bird eggs.

Are Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes good for beginners?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are cathemeral (active at irregular times of day and night).

What is Chinese Beauty Ratsnake behavior like?

Common Chinese Beauty Ratsnake behavior traits: Skittish when young; Arboreal snakes; Warm up easily with consistent and confident handling; Do not skimp on size or height for adults final enclosure; Very active colubrid that loves to climb; Enjoy larger water source; Calmer disposition with captive bred individuals.

Do Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes lay eggs?

Yes. Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake lay?

A Chinese Beauty Ratsnake clutch is typically about 4-12 eggs.

How long do Chinese Beauty Ratsnake eggs take to hatch?

Chinese Beauty Ratsnake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes?

Recommended substrates for adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake?

Recommended enclosures for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake?

Recommended lighting products for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake need?

Recommended heating products for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Chinese Beauty Rat Snake

Common Name(s)	Chinese beauty ratsnake Beauty ratsnake Beauty snake Cave dwelling ratsnake Cave racer
Scientific Name	Orthriophis taeniura taeniura
Behavior	Cathemeral (active during day or night) Skittish when young Arboreal snakes Warm up easily with consistent and confident handling Do not skimp on size or height for adults final enclosure Very active colubrid that loves to climb Enjoy larger water source Calmer disposition with captive bred individuals
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~4-12 eggs Incubation: ~60-70 days
Lifespan	~15-20+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 85-90°F basking spot
Humidity	60-70%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~4-6 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 36”x18”x36” (minimum) 48”x24”x48” (ideal) Adult: 72”x24”x48” (minimum) 72”x48”x48” (ideal) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous: Whole Prey Rodents Quail Chicks Bird eggs

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Adult Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 180 Gallon 48x24x36 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Bundles for Subadult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Subadult Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x24, 45 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Chinese Beauty Ratsnake (Orthriophis taeniura taeniura), known for its striking appearance, is a captivating species native to southeastern China. Its vivid coloration features a mix of vibrant yellows, reds, and blacks, which creates a visually stunning pattern. This striking appearance is not just for show; it serves as a form of camouflage in the dense, tropical forests and subtropical woodlands where these snakes are commonly found. The Beauty Ratsnake’s coloration also serves as a warning to potential predators, signaling that the snake might be more formidable than it appears.

In addition to its remarkable appearance, the Chinese Beauty Ratsnake exhibits fascinating behavioral traits. This species is primarily arboreal, spending a significant amount of time in trees and shrubs, which is somewhat unusual among ratsnakes. This arboreal lifestyle is facilitated by their prehensile tail, which helps them maneuver through the branches with ease. In the wild, they primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and amphibians, showcasing their adaptability and diverse diet. Captive specimens often need vertical space in their enclosures to accommodate their natural climbing instincts and to ensure their well-being. Their semi-aggressive demeanor and high activity levels make them a captivating yet demanding species for experienced reptile enthusiasts.

Native Range

China

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect chinese beauty ratsnake bedding for your pet.

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Common Chinese Beauty Ratsnake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Chinese Beauty Ratsnake is Orthriophis taeniura taeniura.
: The Chinese Beauty Ratsnake is also known as Beauty ratsnake, Beauty snake, Cave dwelling ratsnake, and Cave racer.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are native to China.
: Adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes typically reach about 4-6 ft.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes need 60-70% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Chinese Beauty Ratsnake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 36”x18”x36” (minimum), 48”x24”x48” (ideal); Adult: 72”x24”x48” (minimum), 72”x48”x48” (ideal). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Bird eggs.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are cathemeral (active at irregular times of day and night).
: Common Chinese Beauty Ratsnake behavior traits: Skittish when young; Arboreal snakes; Warm up easily with consistent and confident handling; Do not skimp on size or height for adults final enclosure; Very active colubrid that loves to climb; Enjoy larger water source; Calmer disposition with captive bred individuals.
: Yes. Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Chinese Beauty Ratsnake clutch is typically about 4-12 eggs.
: Chinese Beauty Ratsnake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Chinese Beauty Ratsnakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Chinese Beauty Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.