| Elaphe | |
|---|---|
| |
| Japanese rat snake, E. climacophora | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Colubrinae |
| Genus: | Elaphe Wagler, 1833 |
| Synonyms | |
|
Callopeltis, Elaphis, Scotophis | |
Elaphe is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. Elaphe is one of the main genera of the rat snakes, which are found in many regions of the northern hemisphere. Elaphe species are medium to large constrictors by nature.
Based on the mitochondrial DNA analysis results, many species of Elaphe have been moved to the genera Bogertophis, Coelognathus, Gonyosoma, Orthriophis, Pantherophis, Rhinechis, Senticolis, Zamenis, and others.[1] Nevertheless, the generic name Elaphe is still widely used.
- ^ Bartlett, Patricia; Bartlett, R.D. (2006-05-26). Corn Snakes and Other Rat Snakes. Complete Pet Owner's Manual (2nd ed.). Hauppauge NY: Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 0-7641-3407-8.