Paradise tree snake

Chrysopelea paradisi · The paradise tree snake is a mildly venomous colubrid snake that lives in the moist forests of Southeast Asia and glides between treetops.

Also called Paradise flying snake, Garden Flying Snake.

Paradise tree snake
Photo: Phlip55, CC BY-SA 4.0
Paradise tree snake
Photo: Rushen, CC BY-SA 2.0
Paradise tree snake
Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae
GenusChrysopelea
SpeciesChrysopelea paradisi

Where it lives

Lowland forests of Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Fun facts

  • It can glide a horizontal distance of 10 meters (33 feet) or more after launching from the top of a tree.
  • While airborne, it flattens its round body into a triangular shape and ripples it in waves to glide farther.
  • Slow-motion video shows its body undulating in flight while its head stays remarkably steady, hinting at controlled flight.
  • It's mildly venomous with fangs at the back of its mouth and can also squeeze its prey, feeding mainly on lizards and bats.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).