Common or green tree snake Dendrelaphis punctulata The common tree snake is highly variable in colour and is also known as green tree snake, yellow-bellied or blue-bellied black snake. The body is extremely slender and can be either grey, olive-green, various shades of brown, black, even blue and turquoise.
Conservation Status: The common tree snake is listed as Least Concern in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992). Description: Agile and slender, this non-venomous snake can grow up to 2m but is usually a little over 1m.
They are very reluctant to bite and would rather slither away. If provoked, a Green Tree Snake will rise up, inflate its throat and body, and make a stink from its anal glands – so best not to get too close. Snake skin is not slimy.
Non venomous, Inoffensive and biting very infrequently the Common Tree Snake is the “darling” of Brisbane snakes. It's defensive arsenal is restricted to emitting a strong odor from the cloaca if handled firmly and if any bite is delivered the small teeth are incapable of causing more than a slight break to the skin.
Brown treesnakes are mildly venomous. While the snakes are not considered dangerous to an adult human and no known deaths have occurred, young children can have reactions to tree snake bites.
The brown tree snake feeds on rats, shrews, and lizards, but prefers birds. The indigenous birds of Guam evolved in a snake-free habitat and consequently lack the protective behavior or barriers of other birds, making them easy prey for the brown tree snake.
Scientists have taken a big step forward in figuring out how the paradise tree snake, Chrysopelea paradisi, is able to leap from tree to tree without ever touching the ground. Scientists have taken a big step forward in figuring out how some snakes are able to leap from tree to tree without ever touching the ground.
The female brown tree snake lays her eggs (4-12) either in rock crevices or tree hollows. Since tree hollows are hard to come by in some areas, nest boxes are perfect refuges.
General habits: The Brown Tree Snake is a strong climber. It hunts nocturnally in trees and rock outcrops, catching sleeping prey. Diet: Lizards, frogs, mice, rats, small birds, eggs.
Habitat: Common tree snakes live in a wide variety of habitats, including: bushland; well vegetated banks of rivers, creeks and streams;rainforest edges; eucalypt forests; heathland and areas with trees, long grass, and lush vegetation – especially near water.
General habits. Diurnal (Active by day) it is a fast and agile species which is equally at home on the ground as much as in the arboreal habitats by which its name suggests. Not only is it an agile climber but also a good swimmer like most snake species.
The adults feed mainly on birds bats, eggs and small mammals, while the juveniles feed on lizards. They are egg layers, however, more studies are needed on the reproductive characteristics of the brown tree snake.
Nevertheless, they all have slender bodies with a long thin tail and generally grow to about 1.2meters in length. Common tree snakes are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea and have a range of natural habitats including rainforests, dry woodlands, riverbanks, and creeks.
South East Queensland is home to a diverse range of snakes such as the Eastern brown, Red-bellied black and Coastal carpet python. While the Eastern brown and Red-bellied black are some of the most venomous snakes in Australia, they only bite if provoked or threatened.
Wide colour ranges from green, olive, brown & black to rare blue-grey on upper body. Belly yellow or creamy, with bright yellow present on throat. Some specimens with blue or grey belly but generally maintain the yellow coloration above the ventral ridges.
They are usually active during the day, but can be active at night during very hot weather. This is not a naturally aggressive snake and if disturbed, it will generally retreat.
While green tree pythons don't change color on demand, they are born either red or yellow. Green is their color as adults, and both color stages are related to blending into their environment. This happens when they shed their skin.
They feed mainly on frogs, small fish and small reptiles.
The grainy and rough surface of a wooden fence is perfect for a snake, it gives them plenty of grip to climb it before dropping into your yard. The same goes for brick. Vinyl is one of the best materials for keeping snakes out because it's flat and slippery.
Some examples of surfaces that snakes can't climb include glass, polished stone (smooth marble or something similar), and gapless wooden planking. It is important to note that snakes can climb over any wall that is less than their total body length, even if it's a surface that they can't otherwise climb.
One myth that still gets brought up from time to time is that most venomous snakes don't climb — ie. if you see a snake in a tree or on a roof, it's either a harmless tree snake or a python. But a study conducted by three snake experts has conclusively dismissed that idea.
Natural repellents including sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, and vinegar may help repel snakes. Pour these substances around the perimeter of your property, any place you have noticed snake activity.
Brown Tree Snakes are nocturnal and prefer to rest during the day. They are very aggressive when provoked, and will rear up into an 'S' shape, striking multiple times.