Scientific Name: Chrysopelea paradisi
Family: Colubridae
Classification: Reptilia (Squamata)
Toxicity Level: Mild (Venomous - Rear-fanged; generally harmless to humans)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines)
Adult Size: 1.0 – 1.3 meters (3.3 – 4.3 feet)
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Diet: Carnivore (Lizards, geckos, occasional small bats/birds)
The Paradise Tree Snake is famous worldwide as the "Flying Snake." It is an incredibly agile, slender arboreal species with a spectacular pattern. The body is jet black, adorned with a mosaic of bright green, yellow, and red scales that resemble flower petals or stained glass. The head often features intricate orange crossbars. They are renowned for their ability to flatten their ribs and glide from tree to tree in the wild.
Notes Behavior: These are high-energy, diurnal (day-active) snakes. They are extremely fast and visual hunters.
Husbandry: They are lizard specialists. Keepers often need to feed them feeder geckos (like House Geckos) or scent pinky mice with lizard skin to trigger a feeding response. They require tall terrariums with plenty of climbing branches.
Why Source This Species:
Gliding Fame: The "Flying Snake" reputation makes them an instant draw for educational displays and curious hobbyists.
Stunning Colors: The combination of red, green, and yellow on black is arguably one of the most beautiful patterns among all Asian colubrids.
Active Display: Unlike many nocturnal snakes, they are awake and hunting during the day, providing constant viewing interest.
