Chrysopelea, or more commonly known as the flying snakes, is a genus that belongs to the family Colubridae. Flying snakes are mildly venomous, though they are considered harmless because their toxicity is not dangerous to humans. Their range of habitat is mostly concentrated to southeast Asia, the Melanesian islands, and India.

Gliders

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Chrysopelea are called "flying snakes", which is a false statement, as they glide instead of flying. This is done by flattening their bodies to up to twice their width from the back of the head to the vent. Impressively, these snakes can glide better in comparison to flying squirrels and other gliding animals – a grand feat for lacking any limbs, wings or wing-like projections. Even more impressive is that they can gain some control of their flight by literally "slithering" in the air, thrusting their bodies by up to ninety degrees toward the desired designation. Their ability to glide has been the topic of physics experts in recent years, and studies continue to be made on what other, more subtle factors contribute to their flight.

Species

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There are five recognized species under the genus Chrysopelea. They go in order from weak to excellent gliding prowess:

Twin-Barred Tree Snake or Banded Flying Snake, Chrysopelea pelias (Linnaeus, 1758): This is one of the smaller species of flying snake, reaching up to three feet in length. It is normally a gray color with a brick-red spine, crossed by black and white bands down the body. Though it is able to glide, its ability to do so is weak, almost nearing parachuting.

Golden Tree Snake or Ornate Flying Snake, Chrysopelea ornata (Shaw, 1802): This is the largest species, reaching lengths between three and four feet. Though it is called the Golden Tree Snake, there are other color phases as well: the black-headed, golden body phase (for which it was named); a jade green phase with black and golden head markings; and a blue phase. Like the Twin-Barred Tree Snake, its gliding ability is weak, however better than some.

Paradise Tree Snake, Chrysopelea paradisii (Boie & Boie, 1827): This is the smallest species, reaching up to only two feet in length and weighing as much as four paper clips. Their pattern often vary from being extremely colorful, with a black body spectacled with reds and blues on the spine, to resemble the green phase of the Golden Tree Snake, with a darker hue and a black band crossing the eyes. Despite its small size, the Paradise Tree Snake can glide up to 330 ft, further than other known gliding animals.

Lesser studied species are:

• Moluccan Flying Snake, Chrysopelia rhodopleuron (Boie, 1827)
• Indian Flying Snake, Chrysopelia taprobanica (Smith, 1943)

External links

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• Flying Snake Home Page

Colubrids | Indian native fauna | Wildlife of Asia | Chrysopelea | Chrysopelea