An extremely long, slender arboreal snake.

Also called: Vine Snake, Brown Vine Snake

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Latin America

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 100–180 cm
Weight300–800 g
LifespanWild 10–15 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Oxybelis aeneus, commonly known as the Mexican vine snake or brown vine snake, is a species of colubrid snake, which is endemic to the Americas.

Source: Wikipedia — Oxybelis aeneus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long very slender brown to greenish snake; pointed snout; large eyes; ribbon-like body.

Similar species. Other vine snakes (different ranges). Rough Greensnake (smaller).

Voice. Hisses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Birds, lizards.

Behavior. Extremely slender arboreal snake of subtropical thornscrub. Rear-fanged; mild venom for subduing prey. Diurnal; chases prey through vegetation.

§ Range

Southwestern US into Mexico

§ Habitat

Brushy tropical habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the vine snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't kill snakes.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Arizona Game and Fish
  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • IUCN Red List 2017