Chinese green snake
| 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]
Description[edit]
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.
Distribution and habitat[edit]
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.
Behaviour and ecology[edit]
The Chinese green snake is diurnal and semi-arboreal. When encountered, they are mild-mannered and rarely bite.[4]
Feeding[edit]
Their diet includes earthworms, insect larvae, and other soft-bodied invertebrates.[4]
Reproduction[edit]
They are oviparous, laying 2–16 eggs per clutch. Young snakes hatch in about two months.
References[edit]
- ^ a b China Snakes Working Group (2014). "Ptyas major". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T192054A2033832. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T192054A2033832.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ a b Ptyas major at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 May 2020.
- ^ Reptiles of Hong Kong
- ^ a b c Hans Breuer & William Christopher Murphy Snakes of Taiwan Archived 2012-10-26 at the Wayback Machine
Further reading[edit]
- Günther, A. 1858. Catalogue of Colubrine Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. Trustees of the British Museum. (Taylor and Francis, Printers.) London. xvi + 281 pp. (Cyclophis major, p. 120.)
- Karsen, S. J., Lau, M.W.N, & Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Provisional Urban Council Hong Kong. ISBN 962-7849-05-7