Sri Lankan flying snake

Appearance

''Chrysopelea taprobanica'' is a medium-sized snake, reaching 60–90 cm length. The head is depressed. Eyes are large with round pupils. Ventral scales have keels laterally. Vertebral scales are not enlarged. Dorsal scales are smooth or feebly keeled. Dorsal side is greenish yellow or pale green. Orange to red spots can be seen between dark cross bands. Head is black dorsally with yellow and black cross-bars. Ventral side is pale green with a series of black lateral spots on each side.

Distribution

The Sri Lankan flying snake is distributed in Sri Lanka and Peninsular India. population in Sri Lanka can be found in dry zone lowlands and parts of the intermediate climatic zones, including Polonnaruwa, Wilpattu National Park, Sigiriya, Kurunegala, Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Monaragala. This species was believed to be endemic to Sri Lanka until researchers recorded few specimens from Andhra Pradesh and found old museum specimens collected from India that are now assigned to this species.. Later this species has been sighted in parts of Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu.

Habitat

The snake inhabits old growth trees, as well as secondary vegetation, cultivation, sometimes entering human dwellings. They are diurnal and arboreal.

Reproduction

''Chrysopelea taprobanica'' is oviparous.

Food

Mainly comprises with lizards, such as geckos and agamids. Bats, rodents, birds and other small snakes may also be taken.