Greater green snake | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Ptyas |
Species: | P. major
|
Binomial name | |
Ptyas major (
Günther, 1858)
| |
Synonyms [2] | |
The Chinese green snake (Ptyas major) is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. [1] [2]
The Chinese green snake is a slender, medium-sized snake, averaging 75–90 cm (2½-3 feet) in total length, but occasionally growing to 120 cm (4 feet). Bright green above; ventral scales greenish-yellow. Dorsal scales smooth except that males have several mid-dorsal scale rows keeled. Some specimens have scattered black spots on dorsum. Dead specimens often turn bluish.
The Chinese green snake can be found in central and southern China ( Hainan, Henan, Gansu, Anhui, Sichuan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Hong Kong), [3] Taiwan, northern Vietnam, Laos and Bangladesh ( Sylhet, Ratargul Swamp Forest). [4]
It is found in humid forests and farmland.
The Chinese green snake is diurnal and semi- arboreal. When encountered, they are mild-mannered and rarely bite. [4]
Their diet includes earthworms, insect larvae, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. [4]
They are oviparous, laying 2–16 eggs per clutch. Young snakes hatch in about two months.