AHAETULLA PRASINA SNAKE SKELETON
Asian Vine Snake
EMBEDDED IN CASTING RESIN

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Suborder: Serpentes

Family: Colubridae

Genus: Ahaetulla

Species: A. Prasina

Ahaetulla prasina is a species of snake in the family Colubridae native to southern Asia. Its common names include Asian vine snake, Boie's whip snake, Gunther's whip snake, Oriental whip snake.

This snake has a wide distribution in Asia, where it occurs in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Long and thin with a characteristic elongated pointy head, the Asian Vine Snake is one of the more common species across South East Asia. Often found sleeping in trees or tall grass at night, the Asian Vine Snake is a diurnal species known to hunt lizards and frogs. When full grown they can reach lengths up to 2m. Generally bright green in color but can exhibit blue/green or even light brown color depending on location. Technically venomous but not known to be dangerous to humans.

Due to their largely arboreal nature Asian Vine Snakes are generally found in forested areas, often close to some water source. They have also been observed hanging from branches over water possibly hunting for fish or amphibians. During the day they can be found in trees, bushes and even on the ground.

The Asian Vine Snake will often climb trees, tall grass and or low bushes in search of prey. They will bounce and sway like a long branch or vine as a form of camouflage when evading predators or when trying to ambush prey. Often found sleeping in trees at night. They will move into an 'S' shape and puff up their necks defensively when handled or attacked but rarely bite. Occasionally may also open their mouth and gape as well to scare away predators.

Adults may attain 1.8 m (6 feet) in total length, with a tail 0.6 m (2 feet) long.

Its appearance is very much like those of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged species and is mildly venomous but is not considered a threat to humans.