Dendrelaphis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dendrelaphis |
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| Dendrelaphis punctulatus | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Ahaetuliinae |
| Genus: | Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 |
| Species | |
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>40 recognized species, see article. |
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| Synonyms | |
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Dendrophis |
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Dendrelaphis is a group of snakes, also called a genus. These snakes are a type of colubrid snake. This means they are part of a large family of snakes that are usually not venomous.
You can find Dendrelaphis snakes in many places. They live from Pakistan and India all the way to Australia and the Solomon Islands. There are more than 40 different kinds, or species, of these snakes. In Asia, they are often called bronzebacks. In Australia and nearby islands, people simply call them treesnakes. All Dendrelaphis snakes are completely safe for humans. They are not venomous at all.
Contents
Many Types of Bronzeback Snakes
Scientists have found over 40 different species of Dendrelaphis snakes. They are always learning more about them! For example, some recent studies have changed how we group certain species.
One study found that the D. solomonis snake is actually the same as D. calligaster. Also, D. keiensis is now its own species. Other snakes like D. lineolatus, D. macrops, and D. striolatus are now recognized as separate species too.
This research also helped confirm where some snakes live. For instance, D. punctulatus is only found in Australia. The D. papuensis snake lives only on the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea.
What Do Bronzeback Snakes Look Like?
Bronzeback snakes can be different sizes. They usually grow from about 2 feet (0.6 meters) to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. They all have thin bodies and a long tail.
Male snakes are often shorter and have brighter colors. They also tend to move around more. Female snakes are usually a bit thicker and have duller or darker colors. They are also less active.
These snakes often have red, brown, or orange on their heads. Their bodies can be bronze, brown, or olive-green. The underside of their bodies is usually bright green or yellow. They have big eyes and bright red tongues. Their tails are very good at gripping branches, which helps them climb trees.
What Do Bronzeback Snakes Eat?
Bronzeback snakes mostly eat lizards and frogs. The bigger kinds of these snakes can also catch birds, bats, and small rodents. Remember, these snakes are not venomous, so they catch their food without using poison.
See also
In Spanish: Dendrelaphis para niños
