Brown Vine Snake

The brown vine snake is an elongated, arboreal colubrid closely related to the well-known green vine snakes of the genus Ahaetulla. It is distinguished from its green relatives by its brown or grayish coloration, an adaptation that provides camouflage among bark and dry vegetation.

Endemic to the Western Ghats region and Sri Lanka, it is a specialized, slow-stalking predator adapted for life among tree branches and vines.

As a rear-fanged species, it is mildly venomous, with a bite that is not considered dangerous to humans.

• Extremely slender, vine-like body, brown to grayish-brown in color
• Long, pointed, grooved snout characteristic of the genus
• Horizontally elongated, keyhole-shaped pupils giving excellent binocular vision
• Smooth scales and a laterally compressed body
• Cream or pale venter

Distinguished from green vine snakes primarily by its brown coloration, which provides camouflage against bark rather than foliage.

Found in moist forests, forest edges, and dense scrub of the Western Ghats of India and the forests of Sri Lanka. It is strictly arboreal, moving slowly through vines, shrubs, and low tree branches.

It favors humid, well-vegetated habitats at low to moderate elevations.

Diurnal, relying on slow, deliberate movement and cryptic coloration to stalk prey among branches. When threatened, it may inflate its neck and gape to display a startling pattern inside the mouth.

It feeds mainly on lizards and frogs, using its keen binocular vision to target prey before striking with mildly venomous rear fangs. It is oviparous, laying small clutches of elongated eggs.