Appearance
Adults may attain a total length of 68 cm , which includes a tail 12 cm long.Dorsally, ''T. macrolepis'' is bright green, with blackish skin between the scales in some places. There is a yellow or white stripe on each side of the body, which runs along the first dorsal scale row. The upper lips are pale green, and there may be a black streak behind the eye. Ventrally, it is pale greenish.
The dorsal scales, which are large, keeled, and overlapping, are arranged in only 12-15 rows at midbody. The dorsal scales in the 10 middle rows are always the largest, and additional rows are made up of smaller scales. An even number of dorsal scale rows is frequently found in this species, even though it is uncommon in snakes in general. Ventrals 133-143; subcaudals divided 44-58.
The scales on the top of the head are very large, smooth, and overlapping. There is an elongate subocular, which is separated from the upper labials by a row of a few small scales. There are 7-8 upper labials, of which the 3rd is the largest.
Behavior
It is both terrestrial and arboreal, using its prehensile tail to hold onto branches. The heat-sensing loreal pits are used to locate warm-blooded prey.
Habitat
''T. macrolepis'' prefers evergreen forests, and is also found in tea plantations.Reproduction
''T. macrolepis'' is oviparous. Sexually mature females lay eggs in October, in clutches of 4-7.Food
It preys upon rodents.Defense
Even though tea pickers are frequently bitten by this species, the bites are seldom fatal.References:
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