The Persian ratsnake (Zamenis persicus) is a species of medium-sized nonvenomous snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to Western Asia.
Zamenis persicus is found in temperate northwestern Iran and Azerbaijan, in the area near the Caspian Sea.
The preferred natural habitats of Zamenis persicus are forest, shrubland, and rocky areas, at elevations from sea level to .
Adults of Zamenis persicus are from up to in total length (tail included), and usually jet black or grey with white markings along the lateral portion of the forebody. Males seem to grow larger than females.
Zamenis persicus has habits very similar to Z. situla, and for many years it was considered a subspecies of Elaphe longissima. It was granted full species status in 1984 (Nilson and ).
The Persian ratsnake is principally regarded as a terrestrial species, spending most of its time in the leaf litter; however, it is also an agile climber and will mount low brush.
The diet of Zamenis persicus, like that of most colubrids, consists primarily of small mammals, but it may also eat other small reptiles and amphibians.
Sexually mature female Persian ratsnakes lay clutches of 4âÂÂ9 eggs, which hatch after 45âÂÂ55 days.
For Zamenis persicus, a hibernation period of 2âÂÂ3 months is recommended.