FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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Asian vine snakes, Ahaetulla prasina, are commonly known as long-nosed whip snakes. This extensively distributed Ahaetulla species can be found across several nations across East Asia to Indo-China. This snake is easily recognizable by its elongated head and slender green or yellow-brown-colored body. This snake's snout is also substantially shorter than that of its nearest relative, the green vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta).
Its stunning appearance is similar to that of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged snake whose fangs help during venom delivery. Their venom originates from a gland and travels through their fangs. Due to this, it is a poisonous snake, but its venom poses no hazard to people thankfully. Small reptiles and amphibians, primarily lizards and tree frogs, are prey for the Asian vine snake, which is also known as Gunther's whip snake, Boie's whip snake, and the Oriental whip snake. Aspire to learn more fun facts about this stunning snake? Keep reading!
If you enjoyed reading this article about the Asian vine snake, why not read our articles about the vine snake and gray rat snake too?
Asian vine snakes, Ahaetulla prasina, are energetic and arboreal carnivorous snakes. Their scientific name in Sinhala, 'Ahaetulla', translates to 'eye plucker'. They have four subspecies: Ahaetulla prasina prasina, Ahaetulla prasina medioxima, Ahaetulla prasina suluensis, and Ahaetulla prasina preocularis.
The Asian vine snake, Ahaetulla prasina, belongs to the class of Reptilia. They are colubrid snakes that are rear-fanged and are known as opisthoglyphous.
Although they have a healthy population, their exact population size is unknown due to a lack of studies.
They are found in tropical forests in Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, West Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam and are indigenous to Southeast Asia and the Indo-China region.
This whip snake lives in trees, woods, moist lowland forests, sections of deep swamps, and jungles. They prefer to dwell in an environment that has a suitable level of humidity.
Asian vine snakes thrive in the wild on their own or with their mate as well as in captivity, if provided with a suitable environment. They adapt relatively well to human surroundings.
The Asian vine snake can live up to 10 years.
These Asian snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning that their eggs grow within the mother's body. The mother gives birth when the eggs hatch. They have around seven to 10 babies at a time, and the babies are around 9.5 in (24.13 cm) long.
As per the IUCN's Red List, their conservation status is Least Concern. This species is quite tolerant to habitat change, particularly that induced by human activities since it can exist in a range of environments.
The body of the Asian vine snake is slender and it becomes more tapered towards the end. It can either be completely of a solid color, have a broad yellow stripe running down its body, or have darkish green and blue streaks on its scales. Its main color ranges from vibrant green to teal which helps it to camouflage. Its head resembles the shape of a spear, with two big bumps towards the back where venom glands are situated. In comparison with South American vine snakes, which have circular pupils, Ahaetulla prasina snakes have eyes that are yellow with black horizontal pupils.
The Asian vine snake, Ahaetulla prasina, possesses a great physique and is quite slender. They are quite social and appeal to many reptile lovers. To some, they may be cute, but to others, they might be scary and intimidating.
They're timid creatures but when provoked, they toss half of their front body in loops and set their white tongue out, all as a part of their defense.
The Asian vine snake, Ahaetulla prasina, may grow to be as long as 6 ft (1.8 m) in total, including a tail that is 2 ft (0.6 m) in length. They are double the size of Eastern kingsnakes.
They rank among the fastest snakes, traveling on the ground and through shrubs at a speed of 3.5 mph (5.6 kph).
The Asian vine snake, Ahaetulla prasina, can weigh up to 2.8 lb (1.2 kg).
There are no particular names for the male or female Asian vine snakes.
Asian vine snake babies can be called snakelet, neonate, or hatchling snakes.
Lizards are the primary prey of these snakes. In the wild, the Asian vine snake diet comprises small birds and animals. Asian vine snakes hunt by moving through trees and their earthy colors help them in camouflaging well. Their tongue-flicking behavior is quieter than that of other species, with their tongue jutting out gently without a forked flair. When they detect prey, they apt for a stealthy behavior and pursue it until the appropriate moment to attack, generally targeting the neck. Their diet can also include rodents in captivity.
They are venomous, but they are not hazardous unless you are allergic to their poison. Toxins are injected into their victim by these venomous snakes, but they do not spread venom if handled.
Despite their poison, Asian vine snake care requires only a moderate effort and they can be handled by humans. They have a placid but curious attitude and have become a popular species in the snake pet trade. Even wild-caught vine snakes are usually calm when they arrive, which is unusual for reptiles. Because of their placid nature, they're quite sociable snakes that don't mind being handled, therefore they make good pets for knowledgeable snake owners.
They are ambush predators that will stay completely motionless while waiting for their prey to approach within proximity of their rapid attack.
No, an Asian vine snake bite cannot kill a human. Asian vine snake venom is not powerful enough to kill a human.
Yes, you can keep this species as a pet. They can be purchased at specialty reptile stores, reptile exhibitions, or even online for between $39 to $150. A 4 ft (1.22 m) snake would fit perfectly in an enclosure that is 36 by 18 in (91.44 by 45.72 cm) in length. This enclosure must be at least 36 in (91.44 cm) high. Also, owners must get a new pet snake checked over by a vet straight away as they might carry parasites. It is important to ensure that your new snake is well hydrated by bathing it for an hour in tepid water a few times a week. Also, you should add twigs of varied textures and forms to their enclosure to replicate their natural habitat of trees. A 3:2:2 ratio of cypress mulch, sphagnum moss, and peat moss is required for the substrate. Their enclosure must have a temperature of 85-90 F (29.4-32.2 C) and, unlike other species, a humidity level of 80-90% must be sustained.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles including the Burmese python or the coral snake.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Asian vine snake coloring pages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahaetulla_prasina
https://animalia.bio/asian-vine-snake
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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