Green Tree Snake
Dendrelaphis punctulata
Green Tree Snake, Dendrelaphis punctulata, note the pale blue flecks between the body scales.
Identification:
The Green Tree Snake is usually green but may also be black, blue or yellow. Pale blue flecks can often be seen between the body scales. South-eastern Queensland specimens are typically green with bright yellow throats. This species grows to 2m. Midbody scale rows 13 (rarely 15); ventrals 180–230, with distinctive ridge near each outer edge; anal divided; subcaudals divided 100–150. Individuals are susceptible to larvae of parasitic tapeworms which can often be seen as conspicuous lumps beneath the skin.
Distribution:
Found in coastal and sub-coastal northern and eastern Australia.
Habitat:
A common species that lives in open forests, rainforests, rural lands and suburban gardens.
Habits:
This snake is active by day and is, as the name suggests, arboreal.
Danger:
Non-venomous.
Food:
Feeds on frogs, fish and small reptiles.
Breeding:
3-16 eggs are laid. The hatchling snakes are around 24 cm from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail (snout-vent length).
Similar species:
None.
Queensland Museum's Find out about... is proudly supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation and the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation.