Chinese green snake

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Greater green snake
Cyclophiops major.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
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]
List
  • Cyclophis majorGünther, 1858
  • Herpetodryas chloris Hallowell, 1861
  • Ablabes major Boettger, 1894
  • Entechinus major Cope, 1895
  • Liopeltis major Stejneger, 1907
  • Liopeltis major bicarinata Maki, 1931
  • Eurypholis major Pope, 1935
  • Opheodrys major M.A. Smith, 1943
  • Cyclophiops major Ota, 1991

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

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Description

The Chinese green snake 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.

Distribution and habitat

The Chinese green snake can be found in central and southern China (Hainan, Henan, Gansu, Anhui, Sichuan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Hong Kong), [3] Taiwan, northern Vietnam, Laos and Bangladesh (Sylhet, Ratargul Swamp Forest). [4]

It is found in humid forests and farmland.

Behaviour and ecology

The Chinese green snake is diurnal and semi-arboreal. When encountered, they are mild-mannered and rarely bite. [4]

Feeding

Their diet includes earthworms, insect larvae, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. [4]

Reproduction

They are oviparous, laying 2–16 eggs per clutch. Young snakes hatch in about two months.

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References

  1. 1 2 China Snakes Working Group (2014). "Ptyas major". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2014: e.T192054A2033832. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T192054A2033832.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 Ptyas major at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 May 2020.
  3. Reptiles of Hong Kong
  4. 1 2 3 Hans Breuer & William Christopher Murphy Snakes of Taiwan Archived 2012-10-26 at the Wayback Machine

Further reading