Chrysopelea is the genus that includes the snakes commonly known as flying snakes.
These Southeast Asian snakes do not truly fly with wings. Instead, they launch from branches, flatten the body, spread the ribs and form an undulating aerial shape. The concave underside and side-to-side movements generate lift and allow controlled gliding between trees.
Species in Chrysopelea are arboreal and slender, with ranges extending across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Their ability to cross gaps helps them move through forest canopies while avoiding a descent to the ground.
The term “flying snake” can be misleading because the animals glide rather than achieve powered flight. Their aerial performance is nevertheless remarkable: body flattening changes the cross-section into a functional gliding surface, while the tail and body movements help control direction.