Taiwan beauty snake (Orthriophis taeniurus friesei)
Snakes · Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Taiwan beauty snake (Orthriophis taeniurus friesei) (origin: Taiwan). Adult size around 1,7–2,5 m. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Taiwan beauty snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 250×125×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe); (adult, height matters).
Taiwan beauty snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 18–20 °C.
Taiwan beauty snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Optional.
Taiwan beauty snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Taiwan beauty snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 60–70 %
- UVB
- Optional
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 250×125×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe); (adult, height matters)
- Substrate
- Bark mulch or coco humus, sturdy climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Mice or rats (frozen-thawed)
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 1,7–2,5 m
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Taiwan
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- A winter rest of ~8–10 weeks at ~12–16 °C (for breeding)
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is recommended. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision.
Notes
A large, semi-arboreal, very active colubrid – a roomy, tall terrarium with climbing opportunities. The young are partly bitey, and it becomes more confiding as it settles.
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Taiwan beauty snake (Orthriophis taeniurus friesei) currently offered
- Taiwan Schönnatter 0.1 NZ 2023 – Wildfarbe · Lommis · 190 €
Related species
- Cave-dwelling rat snake (Orthriophis taeniurus ridleyi) – Intermediate
- Russian rat snake (Elaphe schrenckii) – Beginner
- Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus) – Intermediate
- Baird's rat snake (Pantherophis bairdi) – Beginner
- Red bamboo rat snake (Oreocryptophis porphyraceus) – Intermediate
- Twin-spotted ratsnake (Elaphe bimaculata) – Beginner
- Western fox snake (Pantherophis vulpinus) – Beginner
- Rhinoceros rat snake (Gonyosoma boulengeri) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Taiwan beauty snake (Orthriophis taeniurus friesei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 250×125×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe); (adult, height matters)), substrate (Bark mulch or coco humus, sturdy climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, beautysnake.blogspot.com, bmleh.de, reptile-care.de, reptilesmagazine.com
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).