Ptyas mucosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Rat Snake (Dhaman) is a commonly seen snake which is famous for its fast crawling speed and much larger size than most of the widely distributed species found in India. Very long body with dark color patterns on the whole dorsal surface are its general identification features. Apart from these it can be identifies precisely by checking posterior body reticulated with black color net like markings. Traditionally people differentiate between Cobra and Rat Snake by accepting Rat Snake to be a snake having head broader than neck or neck thinner than mid body.

Mating season of Rat Snake begins from winters and extends to start of monsoon. This begins with breeding male combats near water bodies. Combat is done by mutual winding of male bodies to make helix of posterior half and raised forebody where they try to show dominance over each other. After showing dominance and winning, the male performs mating ritual which is done in silent places away from human disturbance. Female lays upto 35 eggs in silent and dark places which are usually in caves, large mounds, between rocks and wood piles. Egg guarding and incubation is done by female till hatching. The period of incubation is around 60-80 days depending upon weather. Most of the new born seen during whole of monsoon and starting of winters.

New born- 32-47cm.
Average length- 210cm (7ft).
Maximum length- 350cm (11ft & 6inch)

Rat Snake is a diurnal species which shows both arboreal and terrestrial activity depending upon foraging and resting needs. Behavior fast, alert and very quick to respond. On threatening it creeps away from enemy and tries to hide in dark and narrow places like holes, cracks, dense bushes etc. In cornered position it laterally inflates forebody and growls. Can bite on further disturbance. 

Feeds on a variety of prey mostly on rodents and toads; also feeds upon birds, small mammals, other snakes, all kind of lizards, eggs etc.

Remain hidden in dark and silent places like rat holes, termite mounds, wood caves, under rocks or any narrow and dark place. Distributed in variety of forests including rainforest, scrub lands, semi-desert, dry, moist and mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, mangroves, wetlands etc. Lives in almost all kinds of habitat due to its tendency to survive in tough conditions; this includes urban areas, dense & open forest, hills & plains, agricultural lands etc. Prefers wet surroundings during summer (shows semi aquatic behavior few times), while dry during monsoon.

Threats includes killing due to misidentification with venomous species like King Cobra, other Cobra species. This is one the most intentionally threatened snake in its range due to its prone activity in and around humans and large size. In many parts of its range it is exploited for skin and edible use. Snake charmers use this species in snake charming because of its large size and harmless to display nature.

Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule 4.

This is an essential species to check the population of rodents around human habitat and agricultural lands. In indirect way it helps economy by preventing loss of agricultural productivity due to rodents. This also controls toads and frogs found in and around water bodies and prevent overpopulation.

It is assumed by ignorant and layman that Rat Snake bears a sting on its tail which delivers fatal venom (poison) by waving it on victim's body parts. Some people also accept a myth that it can bind cattle's legs and suck their milk & life after taking its meal. In reality this species don't have any sting or thorn on its tail neither it takes milk from cattle.