Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Zaocys fuscus
Maximum Size : 2.9 metres

A stunning species, the White-bellied Rat Snake is rarely encountered as it prefers deeply forested habitat. The snake in these photos was found patrolling a small forest stream, presumably hunting for prey such as frogs and lizards; perhaps fish also form a part of its diet as this specimen was at ease with its head underwater. When disturbed it will remain still, with neck erect in a threatening posture.

Adults are mainly brown in colour with white to pale yellow ventral scales, the identifying feature being the thick black stripes on either side of the posterior body and tail. Juveniles may be paler in colour, sometimes greenish. The typical Rat Snake eyes have round pupils.

The species ranges from southern Thailand, through the Malay Peninsular and Singapore, to Sumatra and Borneo.