The chrysopelea paradisi, also known as the paradise tree or paradise flying snake, is a rare species.
They are, however, seen in Singapore and can be found in various habitats including parks, gardens, mangroves, and secondary forests.
They are commonly known for their ability to fly or glide. The chrysopelea paradisi is a genus that belongs to the family Colubridae.
The snake is widely found in south-eastern Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), China, Sri Lanka, and India.
Chrysopelea paradisi is a back-fanged colubrid that possesses weak venom. Its venom is effective and sufficiently powerful to immobilize small prey such as tree-dwelling lizards and rats.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
- Family: Colubridae
- Genus: Chrysopelea
- Species: C. paradisi
- Binomial name: Chrysopelea paradisi
The Kinematics of the Chrysopelea Paradisi
The kinematics and the movement of the chrysopelea paradisi have been an object of interest for physicists. Research has concluded that other factors contribute to their ability to glide.
Concerning the chrysopelea paradisi’s movement, the creature uses the ridge scales on its belly to push against the rough barks of trees. This allows it to move vertically up the tree.
It keeps moving until it reaches the end of the branch and then detaches itself. It makes a j-loop bend and leans towards its decided glide path and landing destination. It then thrusts its body up and away from the tree. It sucks its abdomen in and takes a (pseudo) concave wing.
Once in the air, it continues to make a serpentine movement while its head remains stable and an aerial undulation to stabilize its direction to land safely. This advantage helps the chrysopelea paradisi to conserve energy compared to movement on the ground. This also helps keep them safe and away from earth-bound predators.
The chrysopelea paradisi are known to glide better than other gliding animals and the flying squirrel despite not possessing any limbs or other wing-like projections. The chrysopelea paradisi can glide up to 100 meters (330 feet) in a single glide.
The chrysopelea paradisi is mildly venomous to humans. They are not included in the list of snakes venomous to man, but their venom is deadly to their prey. The venom is known to paralyze its prey.
The chrysopelea paradisi are diurnal by nature. This means they hunt by day. They prey on small animals such as bats, lizards, rodents, birds, and frogs.
First Aid
As aforementioned, the chrysopelea paradisi is mildly venomous to humans; thus, its bite can cause mild local effects, but contact your local health care centre for examination and treatment.