Green Cat Snake
Boiga cyanea
A large, bright green nocturnal tree snake with prominent cat-like vertical pupils, found across South and Southeast Asian forests.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- South and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The green cat snake is a sizable, arboreal member of the genus Boiga, commonly called cat snakes for their large, vertically elliptical pupils resembling those of a cat. It is one of the larger and more vividly colored species in the genus, with a uniform bright green body that provides excellent camouflage in foliage.
It ranges across forested habitats of South and Southeast Asia and is a well-known, if infrequently seen, nocturnal predator in its range.
As a rear-fanged species, it is mildly venomous, and bites can cause localized swelling or discomfort but are not considered life-threatening.
How to identify it
- Large, slender body with smooth scales, uniformly bright green to bluish-green in adults (juveniles are often brownish)
- Prominent, vertically elliptical pupils giving a cat-like appearance
- Broad, distinct head clearly set off from a narrow neck
- Long, slightly compressed body suited to climbing
- Pale or yellowish venter
Adults are distinguished from other cat snakes by their solid green coloration, contrasting with the mottled or barred patterns typical of juveniles and many related species.
Habitat & range
Inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, forest edges, and adjacent plantations, across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. It is strongly arboreal, favoring dense canopy and shrub layers.
It occurs from lowlands into hill forests, and can persist in moderately disturbed wooded habitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, remaining coiled in foliage during the day and becoming active to hunt at night. When threatened, it may form an S-shaped coil and inflate its body.
It preys on birds, small mammals, lizards, and occasionally other snakes, subduing prey with mildly venomous rear fangs. It is oviparous, laying clutches of several eggs during the warmer months.
Frequently asked questions
Is the green cat snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs; bites can cause local swelling but are not considered life-threatening.
Why is it called a cat snake?
It has large, vertically elliptical pupils that resemble a cat's eyes.
Where is the green cat snake found?
It occurs across forests of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Southeast Asia, and southern China.
What does the green cat snake eat?
It preys on birds, small mammals, lizards, and other snakes.
Green Cat Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Green Cat Snake.
