Black Copper Rat Snake (Coelognathus flavolineatus)

Common Name: Black Copper Rat Snake
Scientific Name: Coelognathus flavolineatus
Source: WC
Adult Size: 120–180cm (4–6ft)
Native Range: South and South-East Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and surrounding regions

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for adults; this active, moderately sized species benefits from the full floor space. Furnish with a deep, moisture-retaining substrate, secure hides at both the warm and cool ends, and sturdy branches or cork bark to allow some climbing and exploration.
Heating: Provide a basking spot of around 32°C, with an ambient cool side of 24–26°C. A night-time drop to 20–22°C is appropriate and reflects natural conditions.
Humidity: Maintain humidity at 60–70%. Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as coconut fibre or a soil/sand mix, and lightly mist one side of the enclosure a few times a week to maintain levels without making the whole space damp.
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the snake can bask at around 25–30cm from the lamp. While rat snakes are not dedicated baskers, providing low-level UVB supports general health and reflects their natural exposure to dappled forest light.
Diet: Feeds readily on appropriately sized defrosted mice or rats. Juveniles can be offered prey every 5–7 days; adults every 10–14 days is sufficient. Always feed pre-killed or defrosted prey — never live rodents.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Black Copper Rat Snake hails from the humid forests and agricultural edges of South and South-East Asia, where its striking dark, coppery-black colouration and bold patterning make it one of the more visually impressive rat snakes available in the hobby. It is a relatively large, powerfully built colubrid (a non-venomous snake in the broad "typical snake" family) that has attracted growing interest among experienced keepers thanks to its looks and active personality.

This species tends to be alert and curious rather than docile, and while individuals can tame down with consistent, calm handling, they are best suited to keepers who have some prior experience with larger or more reactive colubrids. They are rewarding to keep and will often be on the move and visible during the day, making them an engaging display animal.