Dendrelaphis punctulatus

Dendrelaphis punctulatus
Daintree River, Queensland, Australia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Subfamily: Ahaetuliinae
Genus: Dendrelaphis
Species:
D. punctulatus
Binomial name
Dendrelaphis punctulatus
(Gray, 1827)
Synonyms[2]
  • Leptophis punctulatus
    Gray, 1827
  • Ahaetulla punctulatus
    Gray, 1827
  • Elaps lewisii
    Gray, 1841
  • Dendrophis (Ahetula) olivacea
    Gray, 1842
  • Dendrophis prasinus
    Girard, 1858
  • Dendrophis gracilis
    Macleay, 1875
  • Dendrophis breviceps
    Macleay, 1877
  • Dendrophis olivacea
    Macleay, 1878
    (non Dendrophis olivacea Gray, 1842)
  • Dendrelaphis bilorealis
    Macleay, 1884
  • Dendrophis punctulatus
    — Fischer, 1884
  • Dendrelaphis punctulata
    — Cogger, 1983
  • Dendrelaphis punctulatus
    — Mattison, 1995

Dendrelaphis punctulatus, also known commonly as the Australian tree snake, the common tree snake, and the green tree snake, is a species of slender, large-eyed, diurnal, non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to many parts of Australia, especially in the northern and eastern coastal areas, and to Papua New Guinea.[3][4]

It is readily recognised as it is an agile snake with a very slender body and tail. The dorsal body colour varies from golden yellow, to bright green, to olive-green, to black, sometimes even blue. It is frequently pale yellow on the throat and belly, but other pale colours have been noted. Blue flecks are present on the flanks. The eyes are large, with typically golden-coloured irises and large round pupils.

It is found in a variety of habitats ranging from rainforest to woodland to urban areas where it preys on fish, frogs, and other small animals.

It is a non-venomous species[5] and does not constrict its prey, but rather relies on its sharp, angled teeth to 'chew' its prey down the oesophagus.

  1. ^ Tallowin O, Allison A, Shine R, Horner P, O'Shea M, Parker F, Greenlees M, Wilson S (2018). "Dendrelaphis punctulatus ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T116813025A1446031. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T116813025A1446031.en. Downloaded on 17 February 2021.
  2. ^ Species Dendrelaphis punctulatus at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  3. ^ "James Cook University". Archived from the original on 2007-09-15. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  4. ^ "Lamington National Park". Archived from the original on 2004-03-02. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  5. ^ Department of Environment and Science, Queensland (13 June 2023). "Common tree snake". Environment | Wildlife and ecosystems. Queensland Government. Retrieved 26 September 2023.