Asian Vine Snake Or Oriental whipsnake (mildly venomous)

Ahaetulla prasina

This is a widespread species of tree snake found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it is recorded in the island of Palawan, the Calamian Island and Panay. They usually feed on small reptiles and amphibian particularly lizards and tree frogs. This species inhabits both primary lowland and montane moist forest, secondary forests, dry and open forests, scrublands, plantations, gardens, cultivated lands, roadsides and city gardens. Because it inhabit a broad range of environments, it is likely to be impacted upon by any major threats in all areas of its range.

 

Description

Snout of this species is acuminate, projecting without dermal appendage, rather more than twice as long as the eye. Scales 15 in rows, usually faintly keeled on the sacral region. Its color ranges from bright green, pale olive or grey-brown with a yellow line along each side of the lower parts, interstitial skin of the neck black and white. Adults may attain 1.8m (6ft) in total length with a tail .6m (2 ft) long. The appearance is very much like those of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged species and mildly venomous but is not considered as threat to humans. At present, it has entered the pet trade and become quite popular among hobbyist.