Ornate Flying Snake

  

Scientific Name: Chrysopelea ornata

Family: Colubridae

Common Name(s): Ornate Flying Snake, Ornate Tree Snake

Overview:

The Ornate Flying Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) is a fascinating species of non-venomous snake found in Southeast Asia. Known for its remarkable ability to glide through the air, it is part of the Colubridae family. This snake is highly arboreal, spending most of its life in trees, where it uses its unique gliding abilities to move from branch to branch in search of food or to escape predators. Its striking coloration and impressive aerial skills make it a remarkable species of snake, though it remains elusive due to its arboreal lifestyle.

Physical Description:

• Size: Ornate Flying Snakes typically measure between 1.5 to 2 meters (4.9 to 6.6 feet) in length.
• Coloration: The body of the Ornate Flying Snake is marked by a brilliant pattern, usually a combination of bright yellow, green, and black. These colors are arranged in striking, irregular bands along its back, with the belly often being lighter in color. The pattern helps it camouflage against the leaves and branches of the trees it inhabits.
• Body: The body is slender, with a slightly flattened shape that aids in gliding. When the snake spreads its ribs, the body flattens even more, enabling it to create a larger surface area for gliding.
• Head: The head is small, slightly wider than the neck, with large eyes that give it excellent vision. It has no venom and poses no danger to humans.
• Tail: The tail is long and prehensile, helping the snake maintain balance while climbing or gliding through trees.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Geographical Range: The Ornate Flying Snake is found in Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Myanmar. It is primarily located in tropical forests and wooded areas.
• Habitat: This species is highly arboreal, spending most of its life in the trees. It inhabits dense forests with an abundance of vines and branches where it can easily navigate through the canopy. It is also commonly found near water sources, such as streams or rivers, where it hunts for prey.
• Preferred Environments: Tropical and subtropical rainforests, forest edges, and wooded areas with plenty of vegetation for climbing and hiding.

Behavior and Diet:

• Gliding Behavior: The Ornate Flying Snake is best known for its ability to glide between trees. It performs this impressive aerial maneuver by flattening its body and using the air currents to glide over distances of up to 10 meters (32 feet) or more. The snake does not truly "fly" like birds, but rather it "glides" in a controlled manner.
• Diet: Ornate Flying Snakes are carnivorous, feeding on small vertebrates, particularly lizards, frogs, birds, and small mammals. They are excellent climbers and use their aerial skills to catch prey from tree branches or other elevated surfaces.
• Hunting Techniques: This snake primarily hunts by waiting in ambush, using its camouflage to remain unnoticed. Once it spots prey, it will strike quickly, using its agility to capture the victim and then swallow it whole.
• Behavior: While it is generally non-aggressive and arboreal, the Ornate Flying Snake will use its gliding ability to escape predators or threats. It is mostly solitary and will spend most of its life in the treetops.

Reproduction:

• Reproductive Mode: The Ornate Flying Snake is oviparous, laying eggs. The eggs are usually deposited in a safe location, such as in the crevices of tree bark or hidden in the leaf litter on the forest floor.
• Nesting: The female will lay several eggs at a time, which incubate until they hatch. The hatchlings are independent from birth, capable of climbing and hunting almost immediately after emerging from the egg.

Conservation Status:

• Threats: While the Ornate Flying Snake is not currently listed as endangered, it faces potential threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation, logging, and urbanization. Habitat fragmentation and the loss of suitable tree cover may threaten its populations.
• Conservation Efforts: Conservation efforts should focus on protecting the natural habitats of Southeast Asia, particularly tropical rainforests, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. Educating local communities about the importance of preserving these habitats is essential for the snake's survival.

Interesting Facts:

• Gliding Abilities: The Ornate Flying Snake is one of the few snakes that can glide. By flattening its body and using its ribs to increase surface area, it can glide through the air to travel between trees or escape predators.
• Camouflage: The striking coloration of the snake helps it blend into its surroundings in the dense tree canopies, making it difficult to spot by both predators and prey.
• Non-Venomous: Despite its impressive hunting abilities, the Ornate Flying Snake is completely non-venomous and poses no danger to humans. It relies on speed and agility to capture its prey rather than venom.

How to Identify Müller’s Shieldtail:

• Look for a slender, long snake with a body covered in bright yellow, green, and black patterns.
• The snake will often be seen in tree canopies or suspended from branches, and its flattened body is a key sign of its ability to glide.
• It has a small head and large eyes, which aid in its navigation and hunting in the treetops.