Elaphe
| Elaphe | |
|---|---|
| Japanese rat snake, E. climacophora | |
| Scientific classification | |
| 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 formerly in Elaphe have been moved to the genera Bogertophis, Coelognathus, Gonyosoma, Orthriophis, Pantherophis, Rhinechis, Senticolis, Zamenis, and others. Nevertheless, the generic name Elaphe is still widely used both for the species remaining in Elaphe and to refer broadly to members of the several Columbid genera formerly included in Elaphe.