Tree Snake Facts

Tree snakes are found around the world.

There are a number of species of snakes that are commonly referred to as tree snakes. As their name suggests, tree snakes are primarily arboreal in nature and spends much of their time above the ground. Tree snakes are in the Colubrid family of snakes and have slender bodies, special scales, colors and behaviors that allow them to hunt prey as well as hide from predators in the trees.

Habitat and Geography

Tree snakes can be found around the world in many different habitats. In Central and South America, there are many species commonly referred to as green tree snakes in the genus Thalerophis. In the same range are the brightly colored parrot snakes of the genus Leptophis that display elaborate behaviors when threatened. In Southeast Asia, the brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) are infamous for being an invasive species as they hitched rides on cargo ships to multiple Pacific islands where their populations grew to impressive numbers because of to the abundant numbers of prey available. Many other species of vine snakes, flying snakes and whip snakes are commonly referred to as tree snakes.

Physiology

Tree snakes are usually much more slender than other snakes, which allows them to maximize their body strength and stretch their body long distances between branches. Tree snakes usually have large, well-developed scales on their underside---called scutes---that allow them to grip onto the bark of trees and push themselves upward. The flying snakes of the genus Chrysopelea will flatten their entire body and make S-shaped serpentine motions in the air that helps them to glide long horizontal distances from one tree to another.

Diet

Most tree snakes are generalist feeders and their diet is diverse. From waiting patiently for a passing lizard to actively raiding bird nests for eggs or small hatchlings, tree snakes will feed on nearly anything they can catch. Lizards, frogs, small mammals, birds and insects are all common prey for tree snakes.

Defense

Tree snakes employ various means of defense to stay alive. Tree snakes are often colored green or brown to help them camouflage themselves in the arboreal environments to keep them out of sight from predators. Others, such as parrot snakes, will exhibit elaborate defensive displays when threatened, such as opening their mouth, hissing and flattening their neck to make themselves seem much larger than they are in an attempt to scare off potential predators.

Venomous Snakes

Tree snakes, as a common group, are not venomous. However, there are venomous species that also live in trees. The most notable are the African boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and the eyelash viper (Bothriechis schlegelii) of Central and South America. The eyelash viper is famous for its various colorations---most striking being the bright yellow coloration---and the distinct eyelash-like scales above its eyes. Colubrids are known as a family with few dangerously venomous species, but the boomslang is one of the exceptions. Found in the trees in South Africa, the boomslang has highly toxic venom that is injected by the rear fangs of these snakes.

References

• San Diego Zoo: Animal Bytes: Reptiles: Snakes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tree Snake
• University of Wisconsin: The Paradise Tree Snake: Aerial Adaptation and the Basics
• Journal of Experimental Biology: Inside JEB: Flying Snakes
• Davidson College: Leptophis ahaetulla

Resources

• University of Cincinnati: Videos of Vertebrate Movement & Animal Behavior