Paradise Tree Snake

Southeast Asia Snakes

Snakes ~ Flying Snakes ~ Paradise Tree Snake

The paradise tree snake is the most well-recognised flying snake in Southeast Asia, occuring in Southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo and Indonesia (Sumatra). Chrysopelea paradisii is differentiated from Chrysopelea ornata by its smaller size and slight differences in dorsal patterning. The paradise tree snake also has a much more vivid colouration in most individuals.

Each scale along the flanks is black with a green spot on top. There is a row of neatly-arranged flower-like patterns along the vertebral area which are coloured yellowish orange to red. The pattern formation begins from the back of the head and ends towards the start of the tail. The vivid colouration and patterning is not homogenous, some individuals may have plain green or dark colouration without red or orange hues.

The paradise tree snake is common within its range, occuring in both deep rainforest and secondary jungle, sometimes within urban habitats. Its bright colouration often results in confusion among people, who equate it to being dangerously venomous. In truth, it is harmless in nature, though it will bite if provoked. In the wild, they feed on lizards, frogs and ocassionally, small mammals.