The Battersby’s Green Snake (Philothamnus battersbyi) is a harmless, non-venomous, medium-sized, green snake from East Africa. It is very common in Kenya.

It grows to 70 centimetres (about 2 feet) long. It has a pointed tail.

The Battersby’s Green Snake has quite large eyes with round pupils.

It lives in moist woodlands and savanna, often near streams and lakes.

It is diurnal (active during the day) and semi-arboreal (living some of the time in trees). It often climbs into trees and bushes to sleep at night.

It feeds mainly on frogs, lizards and small fish.

It is non-venomous. It is harmless, but it looks very similar to the venomous Green Mamba snake.

The Battersby’s Green Snake is smaller than the Green Mamba. However, it is best not to go near any snake.

Battersby’s Green Snakes

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM