Photo: C & D Frith
Australian Tropical
Reptiles & Frogs |
Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata)
They are arboreal, thin, whip-like and very agile.
They are by far the more abundant and widespread of the tree snakes.
When provoked, the snake will make itself larger by inflating its neck and
fore-body, stretching it so that the blue skin between the scales can be seen.
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| Markings:
The colour of the underparts varies from blackish to bright blue, green, yellow,
grey or a shade of brown or tan.
Habitat:
- These snakes are found in the northern tropics and eastern Australia.
- If handled, this snake can produce an unpleasant odour and will bite for a final
attempt at defence. Yet, its teeth are tiny and the bite is harmless, as the Green Tree
Snake has no fangs.
Diet:
- The Green Tree Snake eats small reptiles and frogs (engulfing them head first)
and even the occasional fish.
Size:
- The average male grows to slightly over one metre in length, but has been
recorded to reach two metres.
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