Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake

Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

14-20 years

Size

160-230cm total length; females reach 2.4m while males are slightly smaller but more brightly coloured

Diet

Carnivorous: birds and their eggs, lizards and bats, caught in mid-air while the snake hangs from branches

Temperature & Humidity

It lives in the canopy of rainforest and swamp in South-East Asia. As a tropical lowland arboreal snake it should be kept at relatively high humidity with good ventilation and a clear warm-to-cool gradient. Dry conditions lead to shedding problems.

Enclosure

An arboreal snake exceeding 2 m, it needs a large, tall terrarium. Run horizontal branches stout enough to bear its weight at several heights and place a hollow-style hide high up. Since it rarely comes to the ground, prioritise vertical routes over floor space, and secure the lid firmly against escapes.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild it relies almost entirely on birds and their eggs, lizards and bats, catching them in mid-air while hanging from a branch. In captivity it can be converted to mice and rats. Because it strikes in mid-air, expect a vigorous lunge at feeding time and use long forceps or a feeding stick rather than your hand.

Temperament

It is short-tempered and will bite people hard. Threatened, it compresses its neck laterally or inflates an air sac there to look larger and gapes in display. Captive-bred animals can tame down, but most in trade are wild-caught, so do not force handling.

Notes

Not listed on any CITES appendix. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern. It appears neither on the schedule of designated dangerous animals under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals nor on Japan's list of invasive alien species. Little enters trade in Japan and most animals are wild-caught, so screen new arrivals for parasites and allow a proper settling-in period. It is an arboreal snake over 2 m long, so consider in advance whether you can provide a large, vertically structured enclosure for life.

About Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake

A large, tree-dwelling snake known for its vivid green body and orange-brown tail. Learn about its temperament, care needs, and key facts before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake

1. 1Needs a Large, Vertical Enclosure

   This is a large species reaching 160–230 cm in length, with females growing up to about 2.4 m. Provide a tall enclosure with climbing branches and thick perches suited to its arboreal lifestyle.

2. 2Alert and Easily Stressed

   When it senses danger, it may flatten its neck in a cobra-like warning display, showing its strong defensive instincts. As a fast-moving, arboreal snake, it can become stressed by rough or overly frequent handling.

3. 3Recommended for Experienced Keepers

   Maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and adequate space makes this species best suited to experienced keepers. It's generally not the ideal choice for a first pet snake.

4. 4Distinctive Coloration, Inside and Out

   Its bright green body contrasts with a tail in shades of orange, brown, or gray. Look closely and you'll notice yellow-green lip scales, a black mouth lining, and a blue tongue.

5. 5Humidity Affects Its Health

   As a species from humid tropical canopies, prolonged dryness can lead to shedding problems or poor condition. Keep enclosure humidity appropriate and check on your snake regularly.

6. 6Prepare the Habitat Before Bringing One Home

   Before your snake arrives, set up a tall enclosure with climbing branches, perches, and a hide box. A layout suited to its arboreal habits helps reduce stress from the start.

7. 7Feeding and Daily Care

   Like other rat snakes, its diet is centered on rodents. Adjust prey size and feeding frequency to its growth stage, and keep an eye on its condition over time.

Frequently asked questions about Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake

Q.Is the Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for advanced keepers. It requires experience with environmental management and handling, so it can be a challenging choice for someone new to reptile keeping.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach 160–230 cm in length, with females growing up to about 2.4 m. Males tend to stay somewhat smaller but often show more vivid coloration.

Q.Is it aggressive or likely to bite?

A.When it feels threatened, it may flatten its neck in a warning display. Temperament varies by individual, so it's best to handle it calmly and be mindful of defensive bites in tense moments.

Q.Is this species subject to CITES?

A.No, the Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake is not subject to CITES.

Q.What should I watch out for in its habitat setup?

A.Being arboreal, it needs a tall enclosure with climbing branches and a three-dimensional layout. Humidity should also be managed carefully, with daily checks for dryness or changes in condition.

Useful tools for Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake care

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