Golden Tree Snake
Chrysopelea ornata
A slender, arboreal colubrid of South and Southeast Asia known for its ability to glide between trees, marked with black speckling over a golden-green body.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.3 m (3.3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malay Peninsula, Indonesia)
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Overview
The golden tree snake, also called the golden flying snake, is a slender arboreal colubrid renowned for its capacity to glide considerable distances between trees by flattening its body. It is mildly venomous, with rear fangs adapted mainly for subduing small prey, and poses little medical concern to humans.
It is one of several species within the genus Chrysopelea, collectively known as 'flying snakes,' which represent one of the more unusual forms of arboreal locomotion among snakes.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body well suited to climbing and gliding
- Golden to yellowish-green ground color with black speckles or crossbars, especially dense toward the head
- Large, prominent eyes with round pupils
- Head distinct from the neck
- Concave ventral scales aid in gliding by allowing the body to flatten
Its golden-green base color with fine black speckling, along with its distinctly flattened gliding posture, distinguishes it from other regional tree snakes.
Habitat & range
Inhabits forest, forest edge, and cultivated land with scattered trees across India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and parts of Indonesia. It favors tall trees for both foraging and its characteristic gliding behavior.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly arboreal, spending much of its time in the forest canopy. When moving between trees, it can flatten its body and undulate through the air in a controlled glide. Diet includes lizards, frogs, birds, and small mammals. Reproduction is oviparous, with clutches typically of 6-12 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the golden tree snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs, but not considered dangerous to humans.
How big does the golden tree snake get?
Adults typically reach 1.0-1.3 m (3.3-4.3 ft).
Where is the golden tree snake found?
It occurs across India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and Indonesia.
Can the golden tree snake really fly?
It cannot truly fly, but it can glide between trees by flattening its body and undulating through the air.
Golden Tree Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Golden Tree Snake.
