Chrysopelea paradisi

Paradise flying snake
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Subfamily: Ahaetuliinae
Genus: Chrysopelea
Species:
C. paradisi
Binomial name
Chrysopelea paradisi
Boie, 1827

Paradise tree snake or paradise flying snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) is a species of colubrid snake found in Southeast Asia. It can, like all species of its genus Chrysopelea, glide by stretching the body into a flattened strip using its ribs. It is mostly found in moist forests and can cover a horizontal distance of 10 meters or more[2] in a glide from the top of a tree. Slow motion photography shows an undulation of the snake's body in flight while the head remains relatively stable, suggesting controlled flight. They are mildly venomous with rear fangs and also can constrict their prey, which consists of mostly lizards and bats.

Paradise flying snake from Bukit Lawang, Indonesia
  1. ^ Vogel, G.; Wogan, G.; Diesmos, A.C.; Gonzalez, J.C.; Inger, R.F. (2014). "Chrysopelea paradisi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T183189A1732041. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T183189A1732041.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Here's how flying snakes stay aloft". Science News. 2020-06-29. Retrieved 2021-01-14.