In this episode, Myke travels to a rice paddy in Indonesia in search of a Radiated Rat Snake, whose captive bred cousins are a very popular pet in the US. Along the way, another local snake works his way into the spotlight.
Radiated Rat Snakes are hardy animals who do well in captivity, and can adapt to lots of habitats. On average, this type of snake can grow to 4-6 feet long. While this particular snake was found in a rice paddy, they also thrive in forests. Radiated Rat Snakes enjoy feeding on small mammals and smaller reptiles. These snakes are a member of the Colubridae family, which is the largest family of snakes. While most colubrids are non-venomous there are some dangerous exceptions like the African Boomslang.
In search of a Radiated Rat Snake, Myke also runs into a Javan Spitting Cobra. The average size for this cobra is about 4-5 feet long. They can often be found on the jungle floor, or in farmlands like the one Myke is exploring. They eat small mammals and other smaller snakes.
Habitat Takeaways:
Basking Temperature: 91.2°F (88°F - 95°F Range)
Night Temperature: 79.4°F (75°F - 82°F Range)
Humidity: 83.5% (70 - 90% Range)
While snakes are not as prone to UV related metabolic bone issues as lizards, more recent findings suggest it may still be necessary for many diurnal species.
Basking is important not just for heat but also for UV. UVA and UVB are vital for everything from digestion to calcium absorption. When you buy a UV bulb, be sure to mark the box so you know when it’s time to change it.
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