Spotted Bush Snake
Philothamnus semivariegatus
A slender, bright green African tree snake marked with small dark speckles, commonly seen climbing through shrubs and buildings in search of frogs and lizards.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.2 m (2.3-4 ft)
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Overview
The spotted bush snake is a common, harmless, and strikingly green colubrid found widely across sub-Saharan Africa. It is frequently encountered in gardens and around buildings, where it is valued for controlling small pest populations.
It is entirely non-venomous and poses no danger to humans, often mistaken for more dangerous green snakes due to its coloration.
How to identify it
- Bright green to yellowish-green dorsal coloration, often marked with small dark blue-black or black speckles or crossbars, especially anteriorly
- Slender, highly arboreal body with smooth, glossy scales
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Long, whip-like tail aiding in climbing
- Adults typically 70-120 cm long
Distinguished from the more dangerous boomslang and green mambas by its smaller size, slimmer build, and lack of a distinctly triangular or blocky head.
Habitat & range
Found in savanna woodland, forest edges, riverine vegetation, and often in gardens and suburban areas across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Highly arboreal, favoring shrubs, trees, and vine tangles.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and an agile climber, foraging actively through vegetation for frogs, lizards, and occasionally small birds or their eggs. Generally docile and quick to flee when disturbed rather than bite. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying clutches of roughly 4-15 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the spotted bush snake venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Is the spotted bush snake often confused with dangerous species?
Yes, its green coloration sometimes leads to confusion with the venomous boomslang or green mambas, though it is much smaller and slimmer.
What does the spotted bush snake eat?
It feeds mainly on frogs and lizards, occasionally taking small birds or eggs.
Where does the spotted bush snake live?
It is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, often in gardens, shrubs, and trees near water.
Spotted Bush Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Spotted Bush Snake.
