Chrysopelea paradisi paradisi Boie, 1827
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum/Division: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Chrysopelea |
| Species: | C. paradisi |
| Sub-species: | paradisi |
| Common Names: | Paradise Gliding Snake, Paradise Tree Snake |
| Status: | Common |
Description
Measuring about 1.5 m, they have a slender body and a depressed head that is distinct from the neck. The dorsal is black with each scale having a green spot in the centre. In some individuals, the vertebral region has a row of pink or red spots. Forehead has yellow bands. Ventral scales are green with black edges.
Distribution
Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, the Mentawai Archipelago, Borneo and Java.
Localities
They are common and have been recorded all over Singapore, including Pasir Ris Park, Pulau Ubin, Rifle Range Road, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Locality Map
General Biology
Arboreal and capable of making extended leaps between tree tops, with the body flattened and concaving on the underside to trap air. Inhabits forests in the lowlands and submontane areas, but can also be found in mangroves and urban areas. They are diurnal and mildly venomous.
Diet
Their diet consist of geckos, frogs and bats.
Life Cycle
Oviparous; clutches consist of five to eight eggs.
Other Resources
Ecology Asia. 2012. Paradise Tree Snake. http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/paradise_tree-snake.htm. (Accessed September 2012).
Uetz, P. (editor). The Reptile Database: Chrysopelea paradisi. http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Chrysopelea&species=paradisi. (Accessed September 2012).
References
Baker, N. & K.K.P. Lim, 2008. Wild Animals of Singapore. A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes. Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd and Nature Society (Singapore). 180 pp.
Chua, M.A.H. & K.K.P. Lim, 2011. Gliding snakes Chrysopelea spp. Pp. 272. In: Ng, P. K. L., R. T. Corlett & H. T. W. Tan (editors), Singapore Biodiversity. An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. Editions Didier Millet, Singapore, 552 pp.
Cox, M. J., P.P. Van Dijk, J. Nabhitabhata & K. Thirakhupt, 2010. A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. New Holland (Publishers) Ltd. 144 pp.
Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd. 376 pp.
Lim, K.K.P. & F.L.K. Lim, 2002. A Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
