Colubridae
Vietnamese Bronzeback
HarmlessDendrelaphis ngansonensis
4 photographs of the Vietnamese Bronzeback. © observe-syz.
The Vietnamese Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis ngansonensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 5 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Vietnamese Bronzeback
Dendrelaphis ngansonensis, commonly known as either the Nganson bronzeback or Nganson bronzeback tree snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae, sound in Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The species name ngansonensis is named after the type locality of the Ngân Sơn district of Tonkin, North Vietnam.
Taxonomy
Dendrelaphis ngansonensis belongs to the genus Dendrelaphis, which contains 48 other described species. D. ngansonensis is most closely related to Dendrelaphis cyanochloris, and together the two might form a species complex.
Dendrelaphis is one of five genera belonging to the vine snake subfamily Ahaetuliinae, of which Dendrelaphis is most closely related to Chrysopelea, as shown in the cladogram below:
Distribution
The species is found in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and southwestern China (Yunnan).
Habitat and behaviour
Dendrelaphis ngansonensis is an arboreal snake that occurs in both primary and secondary forests. It preys upon small vertebrates. It has been found to be both diurnal and nocturnal, and has oviparous reproduction.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Vietnamese Bronzeback
- Is the Vietnamese Bronzeback venomous?
- No. The Vietnamese Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis ngansonensis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Vietnamese Bronzeback poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Vietnamese Bronzeback is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Vietnamese Bronzeback dangerous?
- The Vietnamese Bronzeback is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Vietnamese Bronzeback live?
- The Vietnamese Bronzeback has verified records in 5 countries, including Viet Nam, China, Thailand. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Vietnamese Bronzeback?
- The species name ngansonensis is named after the type locality of the Ngân Sơn district of Tonkin, North Vietnam.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Common Tree SnakeDendrelaphis punctulatus
Painted BronzebackDendrelaphis pictus
Common Bronzeback Tree SnakeDendrelaphis tristis
Striped BronzebackDendrelaphis caudolineatus
Elegant BronzebackDendrelaphis formosus
Kopstein's BronzebackDendrelaphis kopsteini
Northern Tree SnakeDendrelaphis calligaster
Blue BronzebackDendrelaphis cyanochloris
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Dendrelaphis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Dendrelaphis ngansonensis
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.