What is the scientific name of the Ridley's Beauty Snake?

The scientific name of the Ridley's Beauty Snake is Elaphe taeniura ridleyi.

What are other common names for the Ridley's Beauty Snake?

The Ridley's Beauty Snake is also known as Beauty ratsnake, Beauty snake, Cave dwelling ratsnake, and Cave racer.

Where are Ridley's Beauty Snakes native to?

Ridley's Beauty Snakes are native to Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.

How big do Ridley's Beauty Snakes get?

Adult Ridley's Beauty Snakes typically reach 6-7 ft.

How long do Ridley's Beauty Snakes live?

Ridley's Beauty Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Ridley's Beauty Snake need?

Recommended temperatures for a Ridley's Beauty Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Ridley's Beauty Snake need?

Ridley's Beauty Snakes need 60-70% humidity.

Do Ridley's Beauty Snakes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Ridley's Beauty Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Ridley's Beauty Snake need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Ridley's Beauty Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 36”x18”x36” (minimum), 48”x24”x48” (ideal); Adult: 72”x48”x72” (6 ft minimum), 96”x48”x72” (<8 ft minimum), 120”x48”x72” (8+ ft minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Ridley's Beauty Snakes eat?

Ridley's Beauty Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Bird eggs.

Are Ridley's Beauty Snakes good for beginners?

Ridley's Beauty Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Ridley's Beauty Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Ridley's Beauty Snakes are cathemeral (active at irregular times of day and night).

What is Ridley's Beauty Snake behavior like?

Common Ridley's Beauty Snake 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 Ridley's Beauty Snakes lay eggs?

Yes. Ridley's Beauty Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Ridley's Beauty Snake lay?

A Ridley's Beauty Snake clutch is typically about 4-12 eggs.

How long do Ridley's Beauty Snake eggs take to hatch?

Ridley's Beauty Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for sub-adult Ridley's Beauty Snakes?

Recommended substrates for sub-adult Ridley's Beauty Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Ridley's Beauty Snake?

Recommended enclosures for Ridley's Beauty 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 Ridley's Beauty Snake?

Recommended lighting products for Ridley's Beauty Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Ridley's Beauty Snake need?

Recommended heating products for Ridley's Beauty Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Ridley's Beauty Snakes?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Ridley's Beauty Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Ridley's Beauty Snake

Common Name(s)	Ridley’s beauty ratsnake Beauty ratsnake Beauty snake Cave dwelling ratsnake Cave racer
Scientific Name	Elaphe taeniura ridleyi
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	6-7 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 36”x18”x36” (minimum) 48”x24”x48” (ideal) Adult: 72”x48”x72” (6 ft minimum) 96”x48”x72” (<8 ft minimum) 120”x48”x72” (8+ ft minimum) 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 Ridley's Beauty Snakes

Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

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

Best Enclosures for Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snakes

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 80W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snakes

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

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

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snakes

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Ridley’s Beauty Ratsnake (Elaphe taeniura ridleyi), also known as the Ridley’s Beauty Snake, Cave Dwelling Ratsnake or Cave Racer, is a fascinating species native to Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. This subspecies is renowned for its unique habitat preference, often found deep within caves where it primarily preys on bats. Its coloration reflects its environment, with a yellow to beige background that transitions to a gray-black hue towards the tail. A distinctive white to cream mid-dorsal stripe runs from midway down the body to the tip of the tail, complemented by a black stripe bordered with blue on each side of the head, located just behind the eye. These striking markings not only enhance its appearance but also provide some camouflage against the rocky cave walls.

Bred in captivity in places like the Cameron Highlands, the Ridley’s Beauty Ratsnake is listed as Vulnerable on the China Species Red List due to its specialized habitat and the threats facing its natural environment. This species' cave-dwelling lifestyle and diet, which consists mainly of bats, make it particularly adapted to life in subterranean environments. The Ridley’s Beauty Ratsnakes striking appearance, combined with its unique ecological niche, makes it a subject of interest for both herpetologists and reptile enthusiasts. Its conservation status highlights the need for continued efforts to protect its natural habitat and ensure the survival of this remarkable snake.

Native Range

Thailand

Peninsular Malaysia

Why ReptiChip?

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

Ready to switch to the ultimate ridley’s beauty ratsnake bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Ridley's Beauty Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Ridley's Beauty Snake is Elaphe taeniura ridleyi.
: The Ridley's Beauty Snake is also known as Beauty ratsnake, Beauty snake, Cave dwelling ratsnake, and Cave racer.
: Ridley's Beauty Snakes are native to Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.
: Adult Ridley's Beauty Snakes typically reach 6-7 ft.
: Ridley's Beauty Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Ridley's Beauty Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Ridley's Beauty Snakes need 60-70% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Ridley's Beauty Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Ridley's Beauty Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 36”x18”x36” (minimum), 48”x24”x48” (ideal); Adult: 72”x48”x72” (6 ft minimum), 96”x48”x72” (<8 ft minimum), 120”x48”x72” (8+ ft minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Ridley's Beauty Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Bird eggs.
: Ridley's Beauty Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Ridley's Beauty Snakes are cathemeral (active at irregular times of day and night).
: Common Ridley's Beauty Snake 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. Ridley's Beauty Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Ridley's Beauty Snake clutch is typically about 4-12 eggs.
: Ridley's Beauty Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snakes: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Ridley's Beauty Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Ridley's Beauty Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Ridley's Beauty Snakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Ridley's Beauty Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Ridley's Beauty Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Ridley's Beauty Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Ridley's Beauty Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Ridley's Beauty Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.