Biology:Greater green snake
| Greater green snake | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Ptyas |
| Species: | P. major
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| Binomial name | |
| Ptyas major (Günther, 1858)
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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List
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The greater green snake or Chinese green snake (Ptyas major) is a snake of the family Colubridae.[1][2]
File:Colubridae - Cyclophiops major.webm
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 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. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/192054/2033832. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ptyas major at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 May 2020.
- ↑ Reptiles of Hong Kong
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 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
Wikidata ☰ Q2383395 entry
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