The mangrove snake is known from mangrove habitats in parts of Asia where they will spend much of their time in the trees.

They are carnivores which primarily feed on frogs and lizards.

As a member of the colubridae family these snakes are equipped with rear facing fangs which are used to inject a mild venom in to their prey.

Mangrove snakes are threatened through collection for the pet trade and habitat loss.

Read on to learn more about these remarkable reptiles.

Appearance

What does the mangrove snake look like?

Across the majority of their body the mangrove snake is colored black on the back with yellow along the underside and in triangular bands reaching up on either side of the body. The lips are also colored yellow.

On either side the body is slightly flattened with a distinct ridge running down the center of the body.

The inside of the mouth of the mangrove snake is colored white. It contains a black or dark grey tongue.

These reptiles have large eyes with a narrow, vertical, slit pupil. The large eyes allow them to see better at night.

An average mangrove snake measures 2-2.5m (6.5-8.5ft) long.

Mangrove snakes are similar in appearance to the banded krait, a species with much stronger venom.

Diet

What does the mangrove snake eat?

Mangrove snakes are carnivores. They feed on frogs and lizards. Younger animals may also consume large slugs.

These reptiles are mildly venomous and as a colubrid snake their fangs are at the rear of their mouth. These rear-pointed fangs allow them to bite and hold prey. They may chew it to inject venom. The rear angle of their fangs helps with holding on to prey.

The toxin produced by the mangrove snake is most effective on birds. In humans it most often causes swelling and discoloration in the skin. As with all snakes you should seek medical treatment if bitten.

Credit: Ulrik Fallström, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons