How to Identify the Indian Flying Snake (Identification Guide)
The Indian Flying Snake is identified by its slender body, bold black-and-yellow-green pattern, and the ability to flatten its body into a concave shape for gliding between trees.
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Key identifying features
The Indian Flying Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) is a slender, highly arboreal snake best known for its ability to glide or "parachute" between trees by flattening its body into a concave, ribbon-like shape. It has a narrow head barely distinct from the neck and large eyes suited to its active, visually oriented lifestyle.
Coloration & pattern
The body is typically bright green to yellowish-green, marked with a bold pattern of black crossbands, spots, or reticulated markings that can form a chain-like or netted appearance along the back. Some individuals show reddish or orange highlights, particularly toward the head. The belly is generally pale greenish or yellow.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is narrow and only slightly wider than the neck, with large, prominent eyes and round pupils that support strong daytime vision. Scales are smooth and glossy. The black markings often extend onto the head, creating a somewhat mottled facial pattern.
Size & body shape
Adults typically reach 100 to 140 cm, with a slender, elongated body. A key identifying behavior rather than a static feature is its ability to flatten its ribs outward, creating a concave underside that allows it to glide significant distances from tree to tree, a trait unique among snakes with this species and its close relatives.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
This species is found across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of mainland Southeast Asia, inhabiting forests, plantations, and wooded areas, including gardens near human habitation. It is diurnal and highly arboreal, often seen moving through tree canopies during the day.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
The bold black-and-green or black-and-yellow netted pattern, combined with its documented gliding behavior, helps distinguish the Indian Flying Snake from other similarly slender arboreal snakes such as bronzebacks, which lack the ability to glide and typically show simpler stripe patterns rather than a netted or chain-like design. Its round pupils, narrow head, and daytime activity separate it from nocturnal, vertical-pupiled venomous snakes sharing forested habitats.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Indian Flying Snake "fly"?
It flattens its ribs to create a concave, ribbon-like body shape, allowing it to glide or parachute through the air between trees rather than achieving powered flight.
What color pattern does it have?
Bright green to yellowish-green with bold black crossbands, spots, or netted markings along the back.
How large does this snake grow?
Adults typically reach 100 to 140 cm, with a slender, elongated body.
Where is the Indian Flying Snake found?
Across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and mainland Southeast Asia, in forests and wooded areas.
How can I distinguish it from a bronzeback tree snake?
Its bolder, netted black-and-green pattern and gliding ability distinguish it from bronzebacks, which have simpler striped patterns and cannot glide.