It is closely related to Euprepiophis mandarinus, the Mandarin rat snake.

In recent years there has been some taxonomic controversy over the genera of rat snakes.

Based on mitochondrial DNA, Utiger et al. (2002) argued for a splintering of the genus Elaphe and suggested a reworking of the genera.

[4] However, all published taxonomy remains a taxonomic suggestion until ruled on by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN - http://www.iczn.org/), but that body has so far not supported the change and has not addressed the taxonomic suggestion.

It may completely cease surface activity from mid-late summer when conditions become too hot and/or dry.