Flying Snake
Chrysopelea paradisi
A slender tree-dwelling colubrid capable of gliding between trees by flattening its body into a concave, wing-like shape.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.3 m (3.3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The paradise flying snake is one of several 'flying snake' species in Southeast Asian rainforests capable of gliding, not true powered flight, by launching from branches and flattening its body into a concave form that catches air. It is a mildly venomous, rear-fanged colubrid posing negligible risk to humans.
This remarkable adaptation allows it to travel considerable horizontal distances between trees, aiding both dispersal and predator avoidance.
How to identify it
- Slender body, green with black scales forming a mosaic or reticulated pattern often edged in red or orange
- Distinct head with large eyes and slightly enlarged rear teeth
- Smooth scales, flattening the belly into a concave 'C' shape while gliding
- Long tail aiding balance and maneuvering during glides
- Distinguished from other Chrysopelea species by finer scale patterning and coloration details
Habitat & range
Found in tropical rainforests, forest edges, and plantations throughout Southeast Asia, spending most of its time in trees where it forages and glides between canopy gaps.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Arboreal and diurnal, gliding between trees by launching, flattening its ribs to widen its body, and undulating in an S-shape through the air. Preys on lizards, frogs, birds, and bats. Egg-laying, with modest clutch sizes typical of arboreal colubrids.
Frequently asked questions
Can flying snakes actually fly?
No, they glide rather than truly fly, using body flattening and undulation to control a controlled descent between trees.
Is the flying snake dangerous?
It is only mildly venomous and poses little to no threat to humans.
How far can it glide?
It can glide considerable horizontal distances between trees, aided by its flattened, wing-like body shape.
What does it eat?
Lizards, frogs, birds, and bats, hunted in the forest canopy.
Flying Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Flying Snake.
