Genus · Colubridae
Types of whip snakes
2 species make up the genus Dryophiops, the snakes commonly called whip snakes. None are considered dangerous to humans.
About Asian whip snakes
Slender, fast, arboreal colubrids of Southeast Asia built for life among twigs and branches.
Dryophiops is a small genus in the family Colubridae, the largest and most diverse snake family. Only two species are recognized: the Brown Whip Snake (Dryophiops rubescens), found across mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands, and the Philippine Dryophiops (Dryophiops philippina), restricted to the Philippines. Both are slim, lightly built tree snakes that sit comfortably within the broad assemblage of Asian arboreal colubrids.
Members are recognized by a long, whip-thin body, a slender neck, a distinct head with large eyes, and a tail that makes up a sizable share of the total length. The build is the classic profile of a snake that moves through shrubs and low forest growth, where a light frame and a strong grip let it bridge gaps between branches. Coloration tends toward browns and grays that blend with bark and dry vegetation. These are forest and forest-edge snakes of tropical Southeast Asia, active by day and at home off the ground.
Dryophiops are rear-fanged, meaning they carry enlarged grooved teeth at the back of the upper jaw and a mild venom suited to subduing small prey such as lizards. They are not considered dangerous to people and are not aggressive, but rear-fanged is not the same as harmless. A wild snake should never be handled, and a bite that breaks the skin or causes a reaction warrants medical attention. In the United States call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or contact local emergency services. As with most slender diurnal colubrids, they hunt actively and lay eggs rather than giving live birth.
Dryophiops belongs to the Colubridae family (Colubrids). The largest snake family, and the one most snakes you meet belong to. Typically round pupils, a head only slightly wider than the neck, and no heat-sensing facial pit or rattle. Scales may be smooth and glossy or keeled and matte depending on the species.
Danger: Almost all colubrids are harmless. A small number are rear-fanged with medically significant venom, the boomslang and the twig (vine) snakes of Africa being the dangerous exceptions. Most colubrids will flee or bluff rather than bite.
All species (2)
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