Greater green snake

The greater green snake or Chinese green snake (Ptyas major) is a snake of the family Colubridae.[1][2]

Greater green snake
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Ptyas
Species:
P. major
Binomial name
Ptyas major
(Günther, 1858)
Synonyms[2]

Distribution

This species can be found in Central/South China (Hainan, Henan, Gansu, Anhui, Sichuan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Zhejiang) and Hong Kong,[3] in Taiwan, North Vietnam, Laos and Bangladesh (Sylhet, Ratargul Swamp Forest).[4]

Habits and habitat

This snake is diurnal and semi-arboreal, living in humid forests and farmland. When encountered, they are mild-mannered and rarely bite.[4]

Description

Ptyas major is a slender, medium-sized snake, averaging 75–90 cm (2½-3 feet) in total length, but occasionally growing to 120 cm (4 feet). Bright green above; ventral scales greenish-yellow. Dorsal scales smooth except that males have several mid-dorsal scale rows keeled. Some specimens have scattered black spots on dorsum. Dead specimens often turn bluish.

Diet

Earthworms, insect larvae, and other soft-bodied invertebrates.[4]

Reproduction

Oviparous. Lays 2–16 eggs per clutch. Young snakes hatch in about two months.

References
  1. China Snakes Working Group (2014). "Ptyas major (formerly as: Cyclophiops major)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T192054A2033832. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  2. Ptyas major at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 May 2020.
  3. Reptiles of Hong Kong
  4. Hans Breuer & William Christopher Murphy Snakes of Taiwan

Further reading
  • Günther, A. 1858. Catalogue of Colubrine Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. Trustees of the British Museum. (Taylor and Francis, Printers.) London. xvi + 281 pp. (Cyclophis major, p. 120.)
  • Karsen, S. J., Lau, M.W.N, & Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Provisional Urban Council Hong Kong. ISBN 962-7849-05-7
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