The head is somewhat distinct from the neck. The head of the mandarin ratsnake is beautifully patterned with bold black and yellow lines forming an arrowheads on the top of the head and as rings around the snout. Hatchlings and juveniles appear similar to the adults with the contrast and color somewhat more intense. This is a beautiful ratsnake with which there has been a great fascination that can be traced back to the photo published in 1974 in a coffee-table book titled Fascination , by F. Kundert. Until recent years, the species was rarely seen and wild-caught specimens were not kept with much success.
Hatchlings do well, and feed well on pink mice.
The species has a steadily-increasing US population. Most mandarin ratsnakes are alert and rather high-strung snakes. They seldom bite in defense or annoyance. Older animals settle down and become quite calm. Inc. All Rights Reserved.