The Eastern Vine Snake (Thelotornis mossambicanus) is a venomous reptile in the Colubridae family of vine snakes. It is also known as the Eastern Twig Snake, African Creep Snake, or the Savanna Vine Snake. It is a colubrid snake.
The Eastern Vine Snake is a thin, grey snake, with a beige underbelly. The top of its head is green, often with black speckles. Its body also has speckles. Its eyes have horizontal pupils, often in the shape of a keyhole. When startled, it inflates (swells) its throat to show black spots between its scales.
It grows up to 140 centimetres (55 inches) in length.
It is found in East African countries, such as Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is an arboreal (tree) snake. It prefers to live along coastal plains.
It is diurnal, active during the day. It feeds mainly on tree lizards and frogs.
The female lays 4-13 eggs.
Location of photographs: Snake Park, Nairobi, Kenya
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM