Identification:
Appearance:
The dorsal (upper) body is light to dark green, while the ventral (lower) body is light green, with a fine line along the ventral edge. However, their coloration can vary from green to orange and brown. This is a relatively long snake, with a total length that can reach up to 197 cm. Distinguishing features include a divided anal plate and numerous ventral scales (194 – 235), as well as a high number of subcaudal scales (151 – 235). The head is pointed, and the snake frequently extends its tongue to sense the environmental temperature.
Biology and Ecology:
This arboreal snake is active during the day and can be found in dense forests up to 2,100 meters in elevation. The primary diet of this species consists of lizards and frogs. They give birth to 4-10 offspring; newborn snakes are approximately 35 cm long and resemble adults. This is a common and the largest whip snake species in Southeast Asia, and they are sometimes observed in remaining bushes in large cities.
Distribution:
This species is found throughout forested regions from North to South and across Southeast Asia.
Conservation Status:
The population is relatively common in the wild.