Paradise Flying Snake
Chrysopelea paradisi
- Class
- Reptile
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 1,076
- Most observed in
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
Paradise tree snake, paradise flying snake or garden flying snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) is a species of colubrid snake found in Southeast Asia. It can, like all species of its genus Chrysopelea, glide by stretching the body into a flattened strip using its ribs. It is mostly found in moist forests and can cover a horizontal distance of 10 meters (33 feet) or more in a glide from the top of a tree. Slow motion photography shows an undulation of the snake's body in flight while the head remains relatively stable, suggesting controlled flight. They are mildly venomous with rear fangs and also can constrict their prey, which consists of mostly lizards and bats.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Chrysopelea paradisi”.