Australian tree snake, Green tree snake
The Common tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulatus) is a species of slender non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to many parts of Australia.
The dorsal body color of these agile snakes varies from golden yellow to bright green, to olive green, to black, and sometimes even blue. It is frequently pale yellow on the throat and belly, but other pale colors have been noted. Blue flecks are present on the flanks. The eyes are large, with typically golden-colored irises and large round pupils.
Common tree snakes are found in Australia's northern tropics and eastern Australia. They also range from the Kimberley region (Western Australia) to Cape York and Torres Strait (Queensland), extending down the east coast into New South Wales, and north into Papua New Guinea. These snakes live in a wide variety of habitats, including bushland; well-vegetated banks of rivers, creeks, and streams; rainforest edges; eucalypt forests; heathland, and areas with trees, long grass, and lush vegetation - especially near water.
Common tree snakes are fast-moving creatures that like to spend time on their own. They are active during the day and rest at night in hollow trees, logs, foliage, or rock crevices. They are often found resting in trees; hence the name "tree snake". When they are near water Common tree snakes often look for long grass, blending in to hide while watching for potential prey to come to nearby rocks or banks to bask or play. They will also enter house gardens that have fountains or ponds surrounded by long grass or shrubs. They do not constrict their prey, but rather rely on their sharp, angled teeth to 'chew' the prey down the esophagus. Although Common tree snakes are essentially harmless to humans, they will defend themselves by producing a horrible odor from their cloaca and may bite. Sometimes when approached, they inflate their body and neck to make themselves seem larger, a tactic sometimes used to scare predators. Generally, however, Common tree snakes in the wild will make a quick escape when they feel threatened.
Common tree snakes are carnivores. Their diet includes mainly frogs, water skinks, and small reptiles and their eggs, but they will also eat small fish, mammals, geckos, and turtle hatchlings.
Common tree snakes are oviparous and females lay 5 to 12 elongated eggs per clutch.
There are no major threats facing this species at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Common tree snake is widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable.
