Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Ahaetulla mycterizans
Maximum Size : 1.1 metres

The mildly venomous, but docile, Malayan or Big-eye Green Whip Snake occurs in primary and mature secondary forest, and is commonly encountered on vegetation near forest streams. Unlike the closely related Oriental Whip Snake Ahaetulla prasina it is seldom encountered in disturbed habitats, or parks and gardens.

Its body colour is generally vivid green, but brown forms also occur. The species can be distinguished from the Oriental Whip Snake by having larger eyes, a more slender body and, generally, the absence of a thin yellow line along the base of each flank.

Like many other species, when this snake feels threatened it may expand its body slightly: at such times vague, pale banding becomes apparent.

The Big-eye Green Whip Snake reaches a maximum size of 1 metre, compared with the Oriental Whip Snake which can reach 2 metres.

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

Fig 1 : Side view of the head showing the large eye, with yellow iris.

Fig 2 : The body is extremely slender and whip-like.

Figs 3 and 4 : A fully grown 1-metre specimen in secondary forest.


All images from Singapore.


References : H1, H3