Snake ID please

[rabernet]

OK, I know someone here probably knows what this is (not a trick question - I have no clue). Someone on another forum wants to find out and no one who's answering seems very sure. Anyone here want to take a gander?

[cassandra]

Some sort of ratsnake...?

[JLC]

I'm stumped. It looks like some sort of racer/coachwhip to me, with the large scales, super-slender body and lovely stripes...but I can't find anything that looks quite like that, with those striking colors and facial patterns.

Any idea on where they are found in the wild?

[Jeanne]

The one looks just like the red racers I use to catch in Az where I grew up.

[mr~python]

it looks like a sonora whipsnake to me, where was it found?

[Jeanne]

Oh Marshall, I had not thought of that!

[mr~python]

yeah, for 13 i got mad skillz. (plus my Nationonal Audubon Society Fielf Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America, hehe)

[rabernet]

The person who posted the picture originally is from the Philipines. The pet store where he bought them told him they were garter snakes. He found eggs one morning though. They are about 4 feet in length and he says that they will only eat lizards and have refused mice and they won't sell pinkies in the Philipines.

[rabernet]

Well, think someone on the other forum may have "cracked" the case - look here:

http://www.wildsingapore.per.sg/disc...ebkpainted.htm
http://www.wildsingapore.per.sg/disc...ebkelegant.htm

[JLC]

That looks closer than anything we've come up with so far. Definitely an exotic critter. Gorgeous though!