Powdered Tree Snake
Toxicodryas pulverulenta
A slender, nocturnal African tree snake with a finely speckled, powdery-looking pattern and large eyes suited to night vision.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.8-1.2 m (2.5-4 ft)
- Range
- West and Central Africa
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Overview
The Powdered Tree Snake is a small, slender arboreal colubrid found in the rainforests of West and Central Africa, closely related to the larger Blanding's Tree Snake. Its name refers to the fine, speckled pattern that gives its scales a dusted or powdered appearance.
It is a mildly venomous rear-fanged species used mainly to subdue small vertebrate prey, and it poses little to no risk to humans.
How to identify it
- Slender body with a finely speckled, grayish to brownish pattern resembling a dusting of powder
- Large eyes with vertically elliptical pupils adapted for nocturnal activity
- Slightly enlarged rear teeth for venom delivery
- Long, thin tail aiding balance while climbing
- Notably smaller than the related Blanding's Tree Snake
Its fine speckled pattern and smaller size distinguish it from Blanding's Tree Snake and other African arboreal colubrids.
Habitat & range
Found in tropical rainforest, secondary forest, and forest-edge vegetation, typically in shrubs and low to mid-canopy trees.
Its range extends across West and Central Africa, overlapping broadly with that of Blanding's Tree Snake.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, remaining hidden in foliage during the day and becoming active after dark to forage. It preys on small lizards, frogs, and occasionally birds or their nestlings.
It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs in concealed arboreal or ground-level sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Powdered Tree Snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs, but it is not dangerous to humans.
How big does the Powdered Tree Snake get?
It typically reaches 0.8-1.2 m (2.5-4 ft), smaller than its close relative Blanding's Tree Snake.
Where is the Powdered Tree Snake found?
It occurs in rainforests of West and Central Africa.
What does the Powdered Tree Snake eat?
It feeds mainly on small lizards, frogs, and occasionally birds.
Powdered Tree Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Powdered Tree Snake.
