Dryophis(Ahaetulla Prasina)

Short-nosed Vine Snake (Oriental Vine Snake) is the most widely distributed Ahaetulla species which is found from India to number of East Asian countries. It can be identified easily by checking 1) long & pointed snout 2) horizontal pupil in eyes and 3) long & very thin body of green or yellow-brown color. Snout of this snake is significantly shorter than its closest species Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) and lacks any dermal appendage on tip.

DIAGNOSTICS CHARACTERS

Head:
Supralabial 9; 4th to 6th in contact with eyes, not divided horizontally; loreal 2 or 3; preocular 1, in contact with frontal; postocular 2; temporal 2+2 or 2+3.

Dorsal:
Smooth scales in 15: 15: 13 in oblique rows.

Ventral:
194-235; anal divided (rarely undivided).

Sub Caudal:
157-192 (Male), 141-172 (Female); paired.

REPRODUCTION

Viviparous, Female bears 4-10 young during summer and give birth in monsoon months. 

SIZE

Average length- 150cm

Maximum length- 197cm

MORPHOLOGY

Long slender body. Snout shorter than Ahaetulla nasuta. Preocular: 1; Postocular: 2; Anterior temporals: 2; Posterior temporals: 2-3; Supralabials: 9 (4-6 in contact with eyes); Infra labials: 4; Dorsal Scale Formula: 15:15:13. Ventrals: 194- 235; Subcaudals: 141-192 (paired). Dorsum green, yellow, dark brown. Venter white or yellowish white with thin yellow or red lines passing along body axis at the outer edges of ventral scales.

Dorsal body:

Thin, long and slender body. Scales smooth, long and obliquely arranged. Dorsal color parrot green, yellow, pale brown or grayish. Regular black and white interscale patterns present in oblique manner from neck to much of mid body. May times these black interscale regions join to give appearance of thin longitudinal lines on forebody.

Ventral body:

Belly lighter than dorsal with yellow or white line separating two lines. Subcaudal scales paired in a zigzag manner.

Head:

Head long, clearly broader than neck with snout tapers to a point. Oval shape eyes have horizontal pupils. 

Tail:

Very long, thin and slender tail ends with pointed tip. Looks alike Ahaetulla nasuta

ECOLOGY

This genus are arboreal, diurnal snakes, living on shrubs and bushes, but forage on the ground. In the Southeast Asian mainland and in the Philippines the snake occupies most of these habitats, and has been found in coconut plantations and areas given over to agroforestry.

BEHAVIOUR

Short-nosed Vine Snake is a diurnal and arboreal species which shows activity throughout the day at low to moderate heights. Sometimes seen on ground also. Locomotion fast in arboreal environment while much slower on ground. At heights it stays at a place for long time without showing any movement. Behaviour shy and usually non-offensive. On threatening it throws half of fore body into loops or curves and put its whitish tongue out for long time but unlike Green Vine Snake it does not inflates itself. Can bite in chew manner on rough treatment.

Feeds on variety of prey including lizards, birds, frogs, other snakes, rodents etc. They are harmless.

VENOMOSITY

Dryophis snakes are typically considered harmless to humans, and bites from them are generally not of medical concern. Dryophis snakes, are not known to possess venom glands or produce venom.

GENERAL HABITAT

Wet evergreen and secondary forest and plantations (60-2000m above msl). Remain well camouflaged in thickets and shrubs

This species inhabits both primary lowland and montane moist forests, secondary forests, dry and open forests, scrublands, plantations, gardens, monsoon forests, cultivated land, roadsides, and city gardens

Lives in variety of forests including mixed, dry and moist deciduous forests. Found in moderate hills and plains. Hides in dense green vegetation of low height. For foraging it choose dense bushes and plantation to stay at a place without showing any movement.