Description:
Scientific name: Oxybelis aeneus
Life span: 15.2 years
The length of the snout without the dermal appendage is more than twice the diameter of the eye. The snout is pointed, created below by the rostral, and ends in a dermal appendage that is longer than the eye. No loreal; internasals and prefrontals in contact with the labials; nasals in contact behind the rostral appendage or just marginally separated; frontal as long as its distance from the nasals, or somewhat longer than the parietals; two postoculars; temporals 2+3 or 2+2 and upper labials 8, fifth penetrating the eye.
Native Region/Habitat
A type of snake found only in Sri Lanka.
Behavior:
This snake, which is primarily arboreal and nocturnal, is frequently mistaken for a vine. It occasionally exhales foul-smelling fluids from its vent when it feels threatened.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Enclosure: A single vine snake requires a terrarium that is a minimum of 6’L x 3’W x 6’H in size. Undoubtedly, bigger is better. Vine snakes may appear little due to their thin bodies, yet they still require space to spread out completely, investigate, and hunt.
Temperature: Vine snakes specifically require a basking surface temperature of between 95 and 100°F. The enclosure’s lowest floors should have a temperature of 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature should drop to 72 to 75 °F. A thermometer that emits infrared light can be used to measure your temperature gradient.
Humidity: A tropical species known as the vine snake needs humidity levels between 60 and 100%. During the day, humidity should be at the lower end of this range, while at night, it should be greater. A digital probe hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity by placing the probe in the center of the enclosure.
Diet: House geckos, anoles, small frogs, button quail, and Reptilinks are suitable prey for vine snakes. On rare occasions, treats could include fish filet, smaller snakes, and crickets.
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