Vine snake diet
Malayan Green Whipsnake, Ahaetulla mycterizans ( Linnaeus, 1758 ). Venom Prey is killed by envenomation, and is swallowed while the snake hangs downwards. The taxonomy of vine snakes is not well-documented, and literature varies widely, but there are 8 commonly accepted species in the genus Ahaetulla. Ahaetulla fronticincta, however, feeds exclusively on fish, striking its prey from branches overhanging water. Ahaetulla is a genus of colubrid snakes commonly referred to as vine snakes, or whip snakes. Their eyes are almost unique in the reptile world, having keen binocular vision and keyhole shaped pupils, being similar in this aspect with twig snakes, who also have keyhole shaped pupils. Ahaetulla venom is not considered to be dangerous to humans, but serves to cause paralysis in their fast moving prey choices. They are primarily diurnal and arboreal, living in humid rainforests. All Ahaetulla species are characterized by thin, elongated bodies, with extremely long tails and a sharply triangular shaped head. The young measure 230 - 331 mm TL and weigh 3 - 4 g. As colubrids, Ahaetulla do not possess a true venom gland or a sophisticated venom delivery system.
Description This extremely thin snake has a lance-shaped head and large eyes with keyhole-shaped pupils. The body scales are feebly keeled, in 19 oblique rows at midbody. They are primarily green in color, but can vary quite a bit to yellows, oranges, greys, and browns. They are found from Sri Lanka and India to China and much of Southeast Asia, including many Pacific Islands. Diet The diet is very varied, and includes lizards, frogs, small birds and even other snakes. Distribution Found in Eastern and Southern Africa, replaced in the rain forests of Central and Western Africa by T. kirtlandii. Field Notes The Vine Snake is also known as the Twig Snake for its resemblance to small branches on trees and in places called the Bird Snake for its occasional habit of preying on small birds. Their diet consists mainly of lizards, but sometimes frogs and rodents are also consumed. Oriental Whipsnake or Asian Vine Snake, Ahaetulla prasina ( Boie, 1827).
