Paradise tree snake or paradise flying snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) is a species of snake found in southeastern Asia. It can, like all species of its genusChrysopelea, glide by stretching the body into a flattened strip using its ribs. It is mostly found in moist forests and can cover a horizontal distance of 10 meters or more[2] in a glide from the top of a tree. Slow motion photography shows an undulation of the snake's body in flight while the head remains relatively stable, suggesting controlled flight. They are mildly venomous with rear fangs and also can constrict their prey, which consists of mostly lizards and bats.
Kinematics
The flying snake has a unique kinematic that is different compared to other animals with gliding or flight because they are cylindrical and do not have limbs such as legs or wings.[3] Although the flying snake does not display visible characteristics that contribute to its ability to glide, there are three aspects that have been studied and found to have great positive effects on this. Their form of takeoff which is most commonly the anchored J-loop take-off,[4] once airborne their cross sectional body is shaped into a triangle [5] and their bodies use an aerial undulation to maximize the distance traveled.[6]
Paradise flying snake from Bukit Lawang, Indonesia
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