There has been some uncertainty about the relationship between the snake genera Ptyas Fitzinger, 1843 and Zaocys Cope, 1861 (David and Vogel 1996 cited in Vogel and Hauser 2013). Vogel and Hauser (2013) state that they regard the genus Zaocys, with some reservation, as a synonym of Ptyas (Taylor 1965 cited in Vogel and Hauser 2013).
According to Vogel and Hauser (2013), the snake genus Ptyas includes eight species of diurnal, fast-moving snakes that climb well. All species are oviparous. Due to their large size some species are exploited for the leather trade or for consumption.
Ptyas is a genus of colubrid snakes.[1] This genus is one of several colubrid genera colloquially called "rat snakes" or "ratsnakes".
The generic name derives from Ancient Greek πτυάς, meaning "spitter", which referred to a kind of snake believed to spit venom in the eyes of humans, although in reality none of the Ptyas are known to spit venom.[2][3]
13 species are recognized:[1]
Ptyas is a genus of colubrid snakes. This genus is one of several colubrid genera colloquially called "rat snakes" or "ratsnakes".
The generic name derives from Ancient Greek πτυάς, meaning "spitter", which referred to a kind of snake believed to spit venom in the eyes of humans, although in reality none of the Ptyas are known to spit venom.
