noun
Japanese striped snake; Japanese four-lined ratsnake
A non-venomous snake native to Japan, Elaphe quadrivirgata. Common name in English varies.
シマヘビは日本の田舎でよく見られる。
The Japanese striped snake is often seen in the Japanese countryside.
シマヘビは毒がないので、見つけても怖がらなくていい。
Since the Japanese striped snake is non-venomous, you don't need to be scared if you find one.
Compound of 縞 (shima, 'stripe') + 蛇 (hebi, 'snake'), referring to the striped pattern on its body.