The Persian ratsnake (Zamenis persicus) is a species of medium-sized nonvenomous snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to Western Asia.
Geographic distribution Zamenis persicus is found in temperate northwestern Iran and Azerbaijan, in the area near the Caspian Sea.
Habitat The preferred natural habitats of Zamenis persicus are forest, shrubland, and rocky areas, at elevations from sea level to .
Description Adults of Zamenis persicus are from up to in total length (tail included), and usually jet black or grey with white markings along the lateral portion of the forebody. Males seem to grow larger than females.
Taxonomy Zamenis persicus has habits very similar to Z. situla, and for many years it was considered a subspecies of Elaphe longissima. It was granted full species status in 1984 (Nilson and Andrén).
Behavior The Persian ratsnake is principally regarded as a terrestrial species, spending most of its time in the leaf litter; however, it is also an agile climber and will mount low brush.
Diet The diet of Zamenis persicus, like that of most colubrids, consists primarily of small mammals, but it may also eat other small reptiles and amphibians.
Reproduction Sexually mature female Persian ratsnakes lay clutches of 4–9 eggs, which hatch after 45–55 days.
In captivity For Zamenis persicus, a hibernation period of 2–3 months is recommended.
References
Further reading 156 pp.
Werner, F. (1913). "Neue oder seltene Reptilien und Frösche des Naturhistorischen Museums in Hamburg ". Mitteilungen aus dem Naturhistorischen Museum in Hamburg 30: 1–51. (Coluber longissimus var. persica, pp. 23–24). (in German).
External links Ratsnakes.com