Elaphe

Elaphe is a genus of medium to large constrictor snakes, family Colubridae, whose membership has been narrowed by taxonomic revision to a set of primarily Eurasian species after many formerly included species were moved to other genera; species estimates in recent treatments range from about ten to eighteen depending on the classification followed. Members occupy a great variety of environments, mostly terrestrial or semi-arboreal, with some burrowing in sand or loose soil; they have slender but sturdy bodies, square heads, extremely flat bellies with curved ventral scales that improve tree-climbing traction, and highly developed sensory organs including internal ears, advanced vision and a Jacobson's organ for scent analysis, along with a Duvernoy's gland, a modified salivary and digestive gland. Well known species include the Japanese rat snake, Elaphe climacophora, the Aesculapian snake, Elaphe longissima, the four-lined snake, Elaphe quatuorlineata, and the beauty snake, Elaphe taeniura.