Also known as the Red-necked Bronzeback, this species was formerly confused with other bronzebacks, including the Elegant Bronzeback Dendrelaphis formosus, but since 2007 has been considered a species in its own right.

The distinguishing feature of Kopstein's Bronzeback is considered to be the brick red colouration of the back of the neck : this is best seen when the snake expands its neck region, and appears somewhat darker when not expanded.

The top of the head is deep bronze, and a dark stripe extends from the snout through the eye to the start of the neck. The lips, throat and underside of the neck are pale yellow. Further away from the head and neck region the scales on the flanks appear  iridescent.

Mainly arboreal in habits, it will feed on geckos and other tree-dwelling lizards.

The species ranges from southern Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra.

Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species: Dendrelaphis kopsteini
Maximum Size : 1.5 metres
 

Reference : Vogel, G. & Van Rooijen, J., 2007. A new species of Dendrelaphis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Southeast Asia. Zootaxa 1394: 25–45.



All photos from primary rainforest in Singapore.
Photo of Kopstein's Bronzeback preying on Green Crested Lizard (left), thanks to Tony O'Dempsey.