Colubrid Snakes (Colubridae family of Snakes)
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Colubridae is the largest family of snakes in the world with more than 1,600 species on all continents except Antarctica (which is devoid of snakes). Some herpetologists argue for the division of this family, however identifying relationships is difficult in a family that is relatively recent in geological terms, having evolved only some 30 million years ago.
Colubid snakes are the most common family in every location with the exception of Australia. Colubrids have lost all traces of the pelvic girdle that other snake families maintain and they also have an exceptionally flexible skull that allows them to swallow very large prey. Although often called 'harmless snakes', some Colubid species have developed venom in the form of modified saliva secretion from the Duvernoy gland that is capable in some genera of causing human fatality.
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GREEN TREE SNAKE
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|  | Dendrelaphis punctulata
| The Green Tree Snake can grow to 2 meters (7 feet) in length, however lengths of around 1 meter are much more common. Thin, agile and whip-like, the Green Tree Snake is probably the most common arboreal snake and is found in tropical northern Australian and along the coast of eastern Australia. When threatened, the snake inflates its head and fore-body and produces an unpleasant scent and may bite, however it has no fangs or venom and is relatively harmless to humans.
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Image: David Warwick (Kyabram Fauna Park - Oct 2005)
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TAIWAN BEAUTY SNAKE
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| | Elaph taeniurus friesi
| Also known as 'rat snakes', the Taiwan Beauty Snake differs from the other asian varieties in patternation, having two dorsal rows of strong blotches that become ladder like. This snake is found in the forests of Taiwan and kills rodents and birds by constriction and can attain a length of 215cm (7 feet) and live for up to 20 years.
Sometimes kept by humans in houses as a means of rodent control, this snale is non-venomous and generally docile. When threatened, it will draw itself upright in an 'S' shape and vibrate it's tail.
STATUS: COMMON
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Image: David Warwick (Melbourne Zoo Exhibit - Feb 2005)
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