Chinese green snake
# Chinese green snake

The Chinese green snake (Ptyas major) is a snake of the family Colubridae.

## 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, in Taiwan, North Vietnam, Laos and Bangladesh (Sylhet, Ratargul Swamp Forest).

## 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.

## 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.

## Reproduction

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

