Semiornate Snake

The Semiornate Snake, more commonly called the Variable Bush Snake, is one of the larger and more distinctively patterned members of the African genus Philothamnus. It is widely distributed across savanna and woodland regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

Although often mistaken for more dangerous species due to its size and speed, it is entirely non-venomous and harmless to humans, feeding on small vertebrates within its habitat.

• Green to olive dorsal coloration with irregular black cross-bars, especially pronounced on the neck and forebody
• Smooth scales and a slender, elongated body
• Large eyes with round pupils
• Long, whip-like tail
• Pale yellow to white underside

The partial black cross-barring on the neck gives rise to the name "semiornate" and helps distinguish it from plainer Philothamnus species.

Occupies savanna woodland, riverine forest, and rocky outcrops across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from East Africa through southern Africa. It is highly arboreal but also forages on the ground and among rocks.

Diurnal and fast-moving, capable of rapid escapes through trees and shrubs. When cornered it may inflate its neck and strike, though bites are not medically significant.

Feeds on a varied diet including lizards (especially chameleons and geckos), frogs, and occasionally small birds. Reproduction is oviparous, with clutches of roughly 4-14 eggs laid during the warmer months.