The Dione’s Rat Snake, scientifically known as Elaphe Dione, is a non-venomous rat snake found in Eastern Europe, Far East Russia, and various regions of Asia. Steppes Rat Snake and Dione’s Rat Snake are common names for this snake.
They are energetic and inquisitive snakes. They are usually peaceful creatures that seldom bite. When agitated, they shake their tails, like do many other ratsnakes.
This snake has a few subspecies that have been identified. Adult Dione’s Rat Snakes are not very large; males typically reach sixty to seventy centimeters in length, while females, which are often larger, measure one hundred and twenty centimeters. Some individuals claim to have seen one hundred and seventy-foot-long representatives of this species.
Dione’s Rat Snakes Are Stunning Creatures
Because the owner had no idea what origin their Elaphe dione was, or because of personal experimentation, there has been a lot of mixing of varieties within Elaphe dione. The Chinese variety, which generally has a more golden or light brown base color, is the most preserved and bred type. Specimens from the Vlavidistok are frequently a beautiful crimson color. Elaphe dione produces eggs, although the incubation period is quite brief (20 to 30 days). When hatchlings crawl out of the egg, they are usually 15 to 20cm long. Adult males averaging 50 to 60 cm, females 90-100cm to 120cm, with peaks of up to 150cm and more.
Geographical Location of Dione’s Rat Snakes
The Elaphe dione is the most widespread of all ratsnakes. They adapt readily to a variety of situations and are so simple to care for in captivity. Because of this, as well as the fact that more and more local forms and variants are being produced in captivity, they are a perfect smaller alternative to the well-known cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus)
Eastern China, Eastern Europe, North Korea, South Korea, and Far East Asia are home to the Dione’s Rat snake. Some members can also be found in South Ukraine. Among the Elaphe species, this snake has the widest distribution. Habitat
When it comes to habitat, this species of Rat snake is highly adaptable. They may live in both steppe and highly wet environments. Within its geographic distribution, these snakes may exist in any habitat.
Behavior, Reproduction and Captivity
Dione’s Rat snakes are not aggressive; in fact, they are quite kind. The snake has extremely strange diurnal habits. When they are excited, they rattle their tails, and when faced with danger, they escape. Except for those found in China, they prefer to hide and are mostly terrestrial. Small animals are preyed upon by members who dwell in the wild. Those kept in cages are fed thawed mice. Reproduction
Female Dione Rat Snakes are oviparous and deposit big eggs in clumps after a brief incubation period. Their hatchlings are often stockier and shorter than the other snakes’. Hatchlings consume newborn mice. Captivity
Because they are so calm in captivity, these snakes make excellent pets. They can, however, become flighty when aroused and flee.
How to take care of Dione’s Rat Snake / Elaphe Dione
Diet: Young Elaphe dione are rather large when they hatch and begin readily by eating on pinky mice. Adult animals can be fed once every 7 to 10 days throughout their first year. Food is frequently denied when they are in the shed, therefore it is better not to offer them any food during this time and instead utilize it as a little respite. Elaphe dione will not eat on something that is considerably larger than it is.As a result, do not provide prey that is larger than 110 percent of its thickest body section.This means that in many situations, even for large adults, a tiny adult mouse is adequate. It is preferable to feed many medium-sized animals rather than one large meal.
Housing: This species requires minimal special attention. Males may be accommodated in a 60x45x45 terrarium, while females or couples can be housed in a 100x40x40 terrarium. Once again, larger is always better.The substrate might be beech chips or Zoomed Reptibark.A more natural ground cover, such as a combination of sand, coco peat, bark, and dried moss and leaves, is also an option.Remove waste as soon as possible, and refresh your substrate once a month.Provide the animals with a basking area with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius in the warm zone and 30 degrees Celsius under the hotspot.Temperatures on the colder side of the terrarium might range from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. The temperature may dip to 17 degrees Celsius in the evening.Elaphe dione does not take persistent high temperatures well; if your Elaphe dione spends a lot of time in the waterbowl, this is usually an indication that the temperatures are too high. Provide fresh water at all times. Provide the animals with a variety of hides in each of your terrarium’s temperature zones. Climbing possibilities will be available as trunks and branches are employed on a regular basis.
Hibernation: During the winter seasons, Elaphe dione naturally goes into hibernation. In captivity, this hibernation can sometimes avoided by maintaining temperatures and not reducing daylight hours. Despite this, some animals stop eating and search for a cool zone as much as possible. If this is the case, and we do not provide them with a hibernation at the appropriate temperatures, they will lose weight since the higher temperatures keep their metabolic rate up, but they will not obtain any nourishment because they are not eating. We would always suggest providing these snakes with a hibernation because it is a natural stop and part of their ecosystem.
In late September through October, one begins to prepare for hibernation. Stop feeding and begin shortening the daytime hours. Make sure the animal can still bask so that it can digest and secrete any gastrointestinal material. A wash is sometimes given to ensure that the snake has excreted everything and that they go into hibernation with a clear gut. During the month, reduce the light hours (and, if you have a heat spot, the heating hours) from 12 to 8 to 7 hours. The animal should next be kept in the terrarium for a week without any lights or heating. After that, the animal can be put into hibernation at temperatures ranging from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius; lower temperatures can be tolerated. Hibernation lasts 8 to 16 weeks on average. Yearlings are frequently given a reduced hibernation period by keepers. After this hibernating time, you can return the snake to the terrarium for a week without lights or heating. After this week, you can resume lighting and heating.