Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 4
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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 :
Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens. Natur
und Tier - Verlag.
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