Painted Bronzeback

Dendrelaphis pictus

Painted Bronzeback found in Vietnam (photo courtesy of Scott Trageser) http://www.naturestills.com

Closeup of Painted Bronzeback (photo courtesy of Scott Trageser) http://www.naturestills.com

Painted Bronzeback found in Krabi Province (photo courtesy of Tom Charlton) http://www.venomlogic.com

Painted Bronzeback in Sumutra (photo courtesy of Curtis Hart)

Painted Bronzeback found in tree in Singapore (photo courtesty of Ria Tan)

Painted Bronzeback found in Singapore (Image by Nick Baker) http://www.ecologyasia.com

Painted Bronzeback found in Laos (photo courtesy of Thomas Calame)

Painted Bronzeback found in Malaysia (photo courtesy of Tom Charlton) http://www.venomlogic.com

Head shot of Painted Bronzeback (photo courtesy of Tom Charlton) http://www.venomlogic.com

Head shot of Painted Bronzeback in Malaysia http://orionmystery.blogspot.com

English name: Painted Bronzeback (aka: “Common Bronzeback”)
Scientific name: Dendrelaphis pictus
Thai name: Ngu Sai-man Pra Inthra

Description: To 125 cm long. A long, slender snake. Body is olive or brown above with a yellow to cream line running down its side and a thicker black line just above it. Head is bronze above and yellowish below, with a black eyestripe between that connects to the black body line. Belly is pale yellowish.

Similar Species: Indo-Chinese Sand Snake lacks the black line and has yellow lines positioned in the brown background such that the yellow and brown striping have roughly the same width.
Copperhead Racer lacks the yellow stripe and has dark lines radiating from its eye.

Habitat: Found in forests, scrubland, parks, and agriculture. Will sometimes be seen on the edge of small clearings or in other habitat transitions that get more sunlight. Is partially arboreal and often found in bushes or small trees.

Contribution to the ecosystem: Helps control frog and lizard populations. Provides food for larger snakes and birds of prey.

Danger to humans: Will bite if threatened but is not dangerous to humans.

Conservation status and threats: No known conservation threats.

Interesting facts: The Painted Bronzeback is quick and flighty and will usually flee immediately when approached. If it is cornered and can no longer flee it will inflate its body, showing off the bluish skin under its scales on its neck.

References:
Ecology Asia: Painted Bronzeback
Nature Malaysia: Common Bronzeback
Wikipedia: Painted Bronzeback
Thailand Office of Environmental Planning and Policy: A Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles in Thailand</a
A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-East Asia

Advertisements