Green Vine Snake

The Green Vine Snake, Ahaetulla nasuta, is a slender tree snake found all over India except for very arid zones of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. This snake is diurnal and only mildly venomous. It is bright green or pale brown. Adults grow to about 5 feet long.

The green vine snake feeds on frogs and lizards. It is a slow moving snake and relies on its camouflage for protection. When disturbed they expand their body showing the black and white markings. They may also open their mouth in threat display and point their head in the direction of the perceived threat. In parts of southern India, there exists a widespread myth that the species uses its pointed head to blind human victims.

Photo by Sandilya Theuerkauf