SUMMARY
VENOM: None
PREVALENCE: Very Common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Active during the day
KEY ID FEATURES: Slender, large eyes, head larger than the neck, brown coloration along the back with scales heavily outlined in black, white belly scales with bright with distinct black stripes of various size running the length of the body
BEHAVIOR: Largely arboreal, will move into 'S' position and bite aggressively if handled
SIZE: Medium - 100-130cm
OTHER: Often found at night sleeping in trees
QUICK ASSESSMENT 0-10
GALLERY
IMPORTANT: Many snakes have significant variance in coloration and pattern even within the same species. There can also be extreme differences in appearance from juveniles to adults so it is important to never assume you have properly identified a snake.
DESCRIPTION
Long slender body with a slightly more robust head than other species of Bronzebacks. Dark brown coloration from the head to mid body running along the back gradually changing to light brown towards the tail. Scales are all outlined in black giving a checkered appearance. Black stripes of varying width running the length of the body with the thicker stripes along the sides. a single white stripe also runs along the sides and the belly scales are also white.
BEHAVIOR
Often found in trees or low bushes but can also be found hunting along the ground during the day. Usually sleeps high up in trees or at the tops of bushes. A relatively aggressive example of the genus and will readily bite if handled.
HABITAT
Due to their largely arboreal nature Striped Bronzebacks are generally found in forested areas, often close to some water source. They have also been observed hunting on the ground for lizards. Also regularly found at forest edges and at varying elevations but generally a lowland species.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The Striped Bronzeback is a relatively uniquely patterned snake but is easy to confuse with other species of Bronzebacks. However it is generally not easily confused with local venomous species.