What is the common name for gliding snakes of the genus Chrysopelea?

The common name for gliding snakes of the genus Chrysopelea is flying snakes. These mildly venomous colubrid snakes live mainly in South and Southeast Asia and are famous for moving between trees without wings.

Flying snakes do not truly fly under their own power. They launch from branches, flatten their bodies by spreading their ribs, and use their long, flexible bodies to generate lift while gliding. Undulating movements in the air help them steer and control their descent. Some species can travel many metres between trees.

The genus includes species such as the paradise flying snake, Chrysopelea paradisi, and the golden flying snake, Chrysopelea ornata. They are mostly arboreal and commonly hunt lizards, frogs, birds, rodents, bats, and other small animals. Their rear fangs and mild venom are adapted for subduing small prey and are not generally considered dangerous to people. “Tree snakes” and “vine snakes” are broader names that can refer to unrelated groups.