Emerald Snake
Hapsidophrys smaragdinus
A vividly emerald-green, non-venomous African forest snake known for its keeled scales and glossy iridescence.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- West and Central Africa
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Overview
The Emerald Snake is a strikingly colored, slender colubrid found in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Its brilliant green hue and glossy scales make it one of the more visually distinctive small snakes of the region's forest canopy.
This species is non-venomous and does not pose a threat to humans. It is primarily of interest for its role as an agile arboreal predator within tropical forest ecosystems.
How to identify it
- Bright, glossy emerald-green dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint black speckling
- Distinctly keeled scales along the back, unusual among green tree snakes
- Slender, elongated body with a long tail
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Yellowish to pale green underside
The combination of vivid green color with keeled (rather than smooth) scales helps separate it from the smooth-scaled Philothamnus bush snakes it superficially resembles.
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical rainforest and forest-edge habitats across West and Central Africa, including areas of Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo Basin. It is strongly arboreal, living in shrubs, vines, and low canopy vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly agile, moving rapidly through dense vegetation. It relies on camouflage and quick movement to avoid predators rather than aggressive defense.
Feeds on lizards, frogs, and occasionally small invertebrates, actively hunting in foliage. Reproduction is oviparous, with modest clutches of eggs deposited in moist, hidden sites within the forest.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Emerald Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and not dangerous to humans.
How big does the Emerald Snake get?
It typically reaches 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft) in length.
Where is the Emerald Snake found?
It occurs in rainforests of West and Central Africa.
What makes the Emerald Snake distinctive?
Its vivid emerald-green color combined with keeled scales, unlike the smooth scales of most other African green tree snakes.
Emerald Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Emerald Snake.
