Indian Flying Snake
Chrysopelea ornata
A slender, golden-patterned tree snake famous for its ability to glide between trees by flattening its body into a concave shape.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.3 m (3.3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- South and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Indian flying snake, also called the golden tree snake, is a widespread arboreal colubrid found across South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the best-known members of the genus Chrysopelea, celebrated for its remarkable ability to glide considerable distances by launching from height and flattening its body into a concave, wing-like shape.
Its striking golden and black patterning, combined with its gliding behavior, has made it a subject of scientific study and popular fascination.
As a rear-fanged species, it is only mildly venomous and its bite is not considered medically significant to humans.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body with a black or dark green ground color patterned with gold, yellow, or orange spots and crossbands
- Head often shows a distinct golden or pale marking
- Smooth scales and a flattened belly with keeled outer scale rows aiding aerial control
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Long, tapering tail
Its bright gold-and-black patterning combined with confirmed gliding behavior distinguishes it from other tree snakes in its range.
Habitat & range
Occupies forests, forest edges, plantations, and even urban and suburban areas with tall trees, from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia. It is highly arboreal, often found high in the canopy.
It tolerates disturbed and human-modified landscapes, frequently seen in gardens and parks within its range.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly agile, using its gliding ability to move rapidly between trees or escape predators by launching from a branch and flattening its body to generate lift, allowing controlled glides over considerable distances.
It preys on lizards, frogs, birds, bats, and small mammals, subduing prey with a mild rear-fanged venom. It is oviparous, laying clutches of several eggs in tree hollows or leaf litter.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian flying snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs, but poses little danger to humans.
Can the Indian flying snake actually fly?
It cannot truly fly but can glide by flattening its body and launching from height, covering considerable horizontal distance.
Where is the Indian flying snake found?
It is widespread across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and much of mainland and island Southeast Asia.
What does the Indian flying snake eat?
It preys on lizards, frogs, birds, and small mammals.
Indian Flying Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Indian Flying Snake.
