noun
Japanese rat snake
A non-venomous snake native to Japan, often found near human habitation. Scientific name: Elaphe climacophora.
庭でアオダイショウを見つけた。
I found a Japanese rat snake in the garden.
It is usually written in kana. Katakana is common for animal names.
Kanji form is used but less common than kana. Literally 'blue general'.
The name literally means 'blue general', likely from its coloration and imposing size.