The snake mentioned above is the green tree snake (scientific name Gonyosoma oxycephalum), also known as the red-tailed racer, Asian vine snake, or green rat snake. This is a species of snake native to the Southeast Asian region, found in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

The green tree snake’s favorite foods include arboreal animals such as birds, bird eggs, lizards, bats, and occasionally rodents and some small mammals.

The green tree snake is a relatively large species of snake. Adult females can reach lengths of up to 2.4 meters, while males are slightly smaller. When faced with danger, this species of snake may raise its head and flatten its neck region to threaten potential threats.

The reason the green tree python is considered fearsome is that its name combines “green snake” with “king cobra,” two snake species known for their dangerous and potentially deadly venom.

Not only does the green tree python have a fearsome name, but it also bears a striking resemblance to the red-tailed green rat snake, a species known for its dangerous venom. This often leads to cases of mistaken identity, as people may confuse the green tree python with a venomous snake.

The green tree python has a green body with a red or brown stripe running along the top of its tail, which are familiar characteristics of the red-tailed green rat snake. However, in reality, the green tree python and the red-tailed green rat snake are two different species and are not related.

To differentiate between the green tree python and the red-tailed green rat snake, we rely on the size and shape of the head. The green tree python is much larger than the red-tailed green rat snake, and its head is not clearly distinct from its neck. In contrast, the red-tailed green rat snake is smaller and shorter than the green tree python, with a triangular-shaped head that is clearly distinct from its neck.

A distinguishing feature of the green tree python is its striking blue tongue.

Despite its large size and resemblance to venomous snakes, the green tree python is actually a non-venomous species belonging to the water snake family. As mentioned earlier, green tree pythons are very shy and always try to avoid humans, so encounters between this species and humans are not frequent, despite the wide distribution range of the green tree python.

Due to their harmless nature and attractive coloration, green tree pythons have become pets for many reptile enthusiasts. However, in captivity, they can feel stressed, leading them to become more aggressive and unpredictable. Green tree pythons may attack humans under captive conditions.

The bite of a green tree python is not dangerous to humans, but it can lead to infection because the mouths of snakes in general contain many bacteria. If bitten by a green tree python, it’s important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound to avoid infection.