Common Bronzeback

The common bronzeback is a slender, arboreal colubrid widely distributed across India and Sri Lanka. It belongs to the genus Dendrelaphis, a group of agile, diurnal tree snakes known for their speed and bronze or olive dorsal coloring.

It is one of the most frequently encountered snakes in gardens, plantations, and forest edges within its range, often seen gliding rapidly through vegetation during the day.

This species is non-venomous and poses no danger to humans.

• Long, whip-like, laterally compressed body
• Bronze, olive-brown, or grayish dorsum with a pale stripe running along each side
• Large eyes with round pupils
• Smooth scales and a slender, elongated head distinct from the neck
• Belly typically pale cream or greenish-yellow

Distinguished from other bronzebacks by subtle differences in lateral striping and scale counts; best identified regionally alongside other Dendrelaphis species.

Inhabits a wide variety of habitats including forests, scrublands, plantations, hedgerows, and human-modified landscapes such as gardens and farmland. It is highly arboreal, using shrubs, trees, and low vegetation, but also moves across open ground.

Widespread throughout peninsular India and Sri Lanka, from lowlands into hill regions.

Strictly diurnal and extremely fast-moving, often fleeing rapidly into vegetation when disturbed. When cornered it may flatten its neck, though its bite is not medically significant.

It feeds on frogs, lizards, and occasionally small birds or rodents, actively foraging through foliage during the day. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying small clutches of elongated eggs.