What is the scientific name of the Red-tailed Green Rat Snake?

The scientific name of the Red-tailed Green Rat Snake is Gonyosoma oxycephala.

What are other common names for the Red-tailed Green Rat Snake?

The Red-tailed Green Rat Snake is also known as Red-tailed green ratsnake, Red-tailed racer, and Arboreal ratsnake.

How big do Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes get?

Adult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes typically reach about 5-6+ ft.

How long do Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes live?

Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake need?

Recommended temperatures for a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake need?

Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes need 60-80% humidity.

Do Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum), 48”x24”x48” (ideal); Adult: 72”x48”x48” (minimum), 72”x48”x72” (ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes eat?

Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Bird eggs.

Are Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes good for beginners?

Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are diurnal (active during the day) and nocturnal (active at night).

What is Red-tailed Green Rat Snake behavior like?

Common Red-tailed Green Rat Snake behavior traits: Skittish when young; Arboreal; Warm up over time 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; Can have a calmer disposition with captive bred individuals.

Do Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes lay eggs?

Yes. Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake lay?

A Red-tailed Green Rat Snake clutch is typically about 6-15 eggs.

How long do Red-tailed Green Rat Snake eggs take to hatch?

Red-tailed Green Rat Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes?

Recommended substrates for adult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake?

Recommended enclosures for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake?

Recommended lighting products for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake need?

Recommended heating products for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Red-tailed Green Rat Snake

Common Name(s)	Red-tailed green ratsnake Red-tailed racer Arboreal ratsnake
Scientific Name	Gonyosoma oxycephala
Behavior	Both Diurnal & Nocturnal (Active during day & at night) Skittish when young Arboreal Warm up over time 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 Can have a calmer disposition with captive bred individuals
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~6-15 eggs Incubation: ~60-70 days
Lifespan	~15-20+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	60-80%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~5-6+ ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum) 48”x24”x48” (ideal) Adult: 72”x48”x48” (minimum) 72”x48”x72” (ideally) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Advanced 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 Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

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

Best Enclosures for Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 100W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

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

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Red-tailed Green Rat Snake (Gonyosoma oxycephala) is a striking and highly adaptable snake species found across Southeast Asia. Renowned for its vibrant green coloration along most of its body, transitioning to a distinctive reddish-orange tail, this arboreal snake is a sight to behold in its natural habitat. Despite its common name, the Red-tailed Green Rat Snake is not closely related to true rat snakes but instead belongs to the Colubridae family. These snakes are skilled climbers, utilizing their slender bodies and prehensile tails to navigate the dense vegetation of tropical forests and woodlands with ease.

One intriguing aspect of Gonyosoma oxycephala is its behavior and hunting techniques. As diurnal predators, they are most active during the daytime, basking in the sun and actively foraging for prey. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and lizards, which they capture using their agility and speed. Despite their striking appearance and agile movements, Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are relatively docile and are not considered dangerous to humans. However, they may defend themselves if threatened, often by flattening their bodies and hissing to deter potential predators. Overall, these arboreal snakes play an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats and are admired by reptile enthusiasts for their beauty and fascinating behaviors.

Native Range

Southeast Asia

Thailand

Malaysia

Indonesia

Philippines

Vietnam

Parts of southern China

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by red-tailed green rat snake lovers, for red-tailed green rat snake lovers. It’s what the pros use, and it’s what you can use, too.

Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect red-tailed green rat snake bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate red-tailed green rat snake bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Red-tailed Green Rat Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Red-tailed Green Rat Snake is Gonyosoma oxycephala.
: The Red-tailed Green Rat Snake is also known as Red-tailed green ratsnake, Red-tailed racer, and Arboreal ratsnake.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are native to Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Parts of southern China.
: Adult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes typically reach about 5-6+ ft.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes need 60-80% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Red-tailed Green Rat Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum), 48”x24”x48” (ideal); Adult: 72”x48”x48” (minimum), 72”x48”x72” (ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Bird eggs.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are diurnal (active during the day) and nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Red-tailed Green Rat Snake behavior traits: Skittish when young; Arboreal; Warm up over time 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; Can have a calmer disposition with captive bred individuals.
: Yes. Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Red-tailed Green Rat Snake clutch is typically about 6-15 eggs.
: Red-tailed Green Rat Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Red-tailed Green Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Red-tailed Green Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Red-tailed Green Rat Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.