Red-tailed ratsnake  By MSA 2005 Map showing tropical forests
and mangroves habitats in southeast Asia   Class Reptilia Order:
Squamata Family: Colubridae Genus and species: Gonyosoma
oxycephala  Despite the name, adult red-tailed ratsnakes can
have red, orange, or gray tails. Juveniles have black spots that
generally fade as they age. Most adults are bright green.  The
red-tailed ratsnake has ridges on its ventral scales that help
it grip the trunks and branches of the trees, where it spends
most of its time.  Red-tailed ratsnakes are carnivorous
reptiles, eating birds, frogs, lizards, small mammals, and even
their own eggs and nestlings.  Because these snakes breed year-
round, females can produce three to four clutches in one year.
Similar to most other reptiles, red-tailed ratsnakes lay their
eggs and then leave the nest.  Learn about another reptile or
amphibian: