Local Names: Telugu Mooni paragoodoo
The fasciolated Ratsnake (Argyrogena fasciolatus ) is also known by the name Banded racer. It is brown or olive brown in color varying in shades from yellowish to deep rich brown. Its head is usually unmarked and its belly is white or yellow. The young ones are beautifully ornamented with black and white crossbars conspicuous anteriorly and their belly is greenish yellow in color.
The body of the Argyrogena fasciolatus is long, healthy and tapering slightly at the neck. Its head is depressed and is broadest between eye and neck. Its upper jaw projects prominently. Tail occupies one-fourth or one-fifth of its body length. This species is found usually in jungle tracts and very occasionally in urban areas and open places. Argyrogena fasciolatus is very aggressive when injured but becomes tame in captivity. When irritated it erects the fore body and flattens the body behind the neck like a cobra and it is often mistaken for one. It feeds on small mammals and amphibians.
