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.

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.

generally have slender but sturdy bodies, square heads, and extremely flat bellies.

are shaped like a loaf of bread, the flat belly meeting the sides of the body at an angle.

[4] This special physical characteristic is well observed in Elaphe obsoleta (now considered Pantherophis obsoletus), whose belly scales curve upward.

do not have any observable vestiges of hind limbs or coronoid bones of the lower jaw like any other members of the family Colubridae.

Compared to other snakes, they are considered to have highly developed vision that allows them to detect the movement of their predators and prey.

In addition, the analysis of scents is carried out by Jacobson's organ in the palate.

E. guttata and E. obsoleta, among others, are mostly diurnal, but some species are more active in late afternoon or at dusk.

Thus, they need to maintain their body energy by switching locations and remaining physiologically inactive when winter comes.

Some snakes that live close to human communities even hibernate in old wells and barns.

[11] Most members of the genus Elaphe start their hibernation in October and emerge again the next spring.

[13] E. obsoleta generally starts to mate in late April, May, and early June after the winter hibernation.

They continue in such position, which is then followed by dancing for up to an hour before copulation, during which the male snake lines up with the female and holds her in place by wrapping his tail around hers and grasping her with his mouth.

They usually lay eggs in the soft heart of a rotten log or in sandy soil under a rock.

A good place for laying eggs is one that is damp but not wet, and warm but not hot.

After laying eggs, the female snake covers them up with sand or soil, and then she leaves.

Oviparous E. obsoleta lays 12–20 eggs under logs or leaves in late summer, which hatch in the fall.

One of the most common ways is by coiling their bodies and vibrating their tails, which simulates a rattle.

Fox snakes, Elaphe vulpina (now considered Pantherophis vulpinus) and Elaphe gloydi (now considered Pantherophis gloydi), exemplify this type of defense mechanism; they mimic the rattling vibration of rattlesnakes when they encounter danger.

[1] The second line of defense, generally involves striking the intruder with their teeth if they are further provoked.