Spotted Bush Snake (Philothamnus semivariegatus)
Updated on
25/04/2024
The spotted bush snake, spotted green snake, or variegated green snake is a native of Africa. These colubrids are excellent swimmers and climbers, primarily found in trees in forests and bushes. They are highly alert and have very good eyesight.
Scientific Classifications
- Suborder:Serpentes
- Family:Colubridae
- Genus:Philothamnus
- Species:P. semivariegatus
Conservation Status
Description
Size
Its average length from the snout to the vent is 24-35 inches (60-90 cm).
Color and Appearance
The bright green snake has black speckles on its body. Their color helps them to camouflage very nicely.
The slender snake has a flat, distinct head and a long tail. The keeled scales on its belly allow it to climb up barks of trees and even brick walls.
Are They Dangerous to Humans
The spotted green snake is very common and completely harmless. This non-venomous species is naturally very nervous and quick to escape if it feels threatened. It can bite if handled, but it’s not painful as it has tiny teeth, which though sharp, can’t pierce human skin.
Spotted Bush Snakes at a Glance
Distribution
It inhabits an area extending from South Africa northward to Sudan, from Guinea eastward to Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria.
Habitat
It can be found in trees, bushes, suburban gardens, on walls – gliding in the cracks of bricks. It can also be sometimes found on the ground.
Lifespan
The spotted bush snake has an average lifespan of 10 years.
Predators
It is eaten by other snakes (mostly vine snakes), cats, and birds of prey (mostly snake eagles and secretary birds).
Diet
Chameleons, geckos, and tree frogs form their diet. The non-territorial snakes travel large distances in search of their prey. It doesn’t make a good pet as it refuses to feed in captivity.
Reproduction
Oviparous (lays eggs that hatch outside the body)
The females lay 3-12 elongated eggs every summer, with each hatchling measuring 9.8 inches (25 cm) in length.
Similar Species
Boomslang
The venomous boomslang, Dispholidus typus, has dark patterns distributed horizontally on its green body instead of black speckles. It is longer and has a coffin-shaped head in contrast to the egg-shaped one of the spotted bush snake.
Source
dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net, image-prod.iol.co.za, southafrica.co.za, live.staticflickr.com, live.staticflickr.com
