Asian Flying Snake / Golden Tree Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) Care Sheet
The Asian Flying Snake, more commonly called the Golden Tree Snake (Chrysopelea ornata), is a highly active arboreal colubrid native to South and Southeast Asia.
It is best known for its extraordinary ability to launch itself from branches, flatten the body and glide through the air between trees. This behaviour has earned members of the genus Chrysopelea the common name “flying snakes”.
Despite their relatively slender build, Golden Tree Snakes are fast, alert, highly arboreal predators that require a large, secure, vertically structured enclosure.
They are also rear-fanged and mildly venomous to prey. Human bites are not generally considered medically serious, but bites should still be avoided and treated appropriately.
This is an intermediate-to-advanced display species rather than a snake suited to frequent handling.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Chrysopelea ornata
Common names: Golden Tree Snake, Ornate Flying Snake, Asian Flying Snake
Family: Colubridae
Native range: South and Southeast Asia
Lifestyle: Strongly arboreal
Activity: Diurnal
Adult length: Commonly approximately 3–4½ feet; some individuals may exceed this
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15+ years may be achievable with good husbandry
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced
Diet: Small vertebrate prey, especially lizards and small mammals
Temperament: Alert, fast and potentially defensive
Adult enclosure: Approximately 48" × 24" × 48" minimum; larger strongly preferred
Basking area: Approximately 30–32°C
Warm ambient: Approximately 26–29°C
Cool area: Approximately 23–25°C
Night temperature: Approximately 21–24°C
Humidity: Generally approximately 60–80% with good ventilation
UVB: Low-level UVB recommended
Venom: Rear-fanged, mildly venomous
Handling: Minimal; observation species
Social housing: Individual housing recommended
Natural Distribution
Chrysopelea ornata has a broad distribution across South and Southeast Asia.
It occurs in regions including:
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Myanmar
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Indonesia
- parts of southern China
Its broad range means local populations may experience somewhat different seasonal conditions.
Natural Habitat
Golden Tree Snakes inhabit a range of warm, vegetated environments including:
- tropical forest
- forest edges
- plantations
- gardens
- secondary woodland
- urban vegetation
They are strongly arboreal and spend much of their time above ground.
Captive housing should therefore emphasise height, climbing routes and visual complexity.
Appearance
Colouration varies geographically and individually.
Typical animals show combinations of:
- green
- yellow
- black
- cream
- red or orange markings in some populations
The body is long and slender.
Scales often form attractive reticulated or banded patterns.
The head is distinct, with relatively large eyes suited to a visually active daytime predator.
Adult Size
Adults commonly reach approximately:
3–4½ feet
Some individuals may grow larger.
Their slender build means they require considerably more usable space than their body mass might suggest.
Gliding Behaviour
Members of the genus Chrysopelea are among the very few snakes capable of controlled aerial gliding.
When launching, the snake can:
- leave a branch
- flatten the body
- form the body into an aerodynamic shape
- undulate laterally in the air
- steer towards another perch
This is true controlled gliding rather than simple falling.
Captive enclosures cannot realistically reproduce long-distance gliding, but they should still provide substantial climbing space and varied elevated routes.
Behaviour
Golden Tree Snakes are highly active.
Typical behaviours include:
- climbing
- exploring branches
- basking
- watching activity outside the enclosure
- hunting from elevated positions
- moving through dense foliage
They are often much more visible during the day than nocturnal arboreal species.
Temperament
Temperament varies.
Some individuals become relatively calm in captivity, while others remain:
- nervous
- flighty
- defensive
- prone to striking
They can move extremely quickly.
A defensive animal should be given space rather than repeatedly handled.
Venom
Golden Tree Snakes are rear-fanged and possess a venom system used primarily to subdue prey.
Human bites are not generally regarded as medically dangerous in healthy adults, but this should not be interpreted as meaning bites are harmless.
Potential effects can include:
- local pain
- swelling
- irritation
- redness
Anyone experiencing significant or worsening symptoms should seek medical advice.
Enclosure Size
For an adult, approximately:
48" × 24" × 48"
should be considered a practical minimum.
Larger enclosures are strongly encouraged.
A large enclosure should allow the snake to:
- climb extensively
- move horizontally
- choose different temperatures
- hide above ground
- explore multiple levels
Vertical Structure
Height should be genuinely usable.
Provide:
- horizontal branches
- diagonal branches
- vines
- elevated shelves
- cork tubes
- dense foliage
An empty tall vivarium is not adequate.
Branches
Branches should vary in:
- diameter
- height
- angle
They must be securely fixed.
This species is light-bodied but highly active and may launch itself between nearby structures.
Elevated Hides
Provide at least one secure arboreal retreat.
Suitable options include:
- cork tubes
- mounted hide boxes
- dense foliage clusters
Ground-level hides should also be available.
Foliage
Dense vegetation provides:
- security
- visual barriers
- climbing routes
- shade
- enrichment
Both live and artificial plants can be used.
Any live plants should be non-toxic and pesticide-free.
Enclosure Security
Security is essential.
Golden Tree Snakes are:
- slender
- fast
- excellent climbers
- capable of exploiting small gaps
Check carefully around:
- sliding doors
- ventilation
- cable ports
- roof panels
- door tracks
Use reliable locks.
Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- coco husk
- coco fibre
- cypress mulch
- orchid bark
- soil-based reptile mixes
- leaf litter
The substrate should support moderate humidity without remaining permanently wet.
Temperature Gradient
Provide a clear gradient.
Basking area
Approximately:
30–32°C
Warm ambient
Approximately:
26–29°C
Cool area
Approximately:
23–25°C
The snake must always be able to move away from the heat source.
Night Temperatures
Night temperatures can fall moderately to approximately:
21–24°C
Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive cold.
Heating
Overhead heating is most appropriate for an arboreal diurnal snake.
Suitable options include:
- halogen basking lamps
- deep heat projectors
- ceramic heat emitters where necessary
Any internal heat source must be securely guarded.
Thermostat
All heat sources capable of overheating the enclosure should be controlled by a thermostat.
Measure temperatures independently at:
- basking perch
- upper warm area
- middle level
- lower cool zone
Arboreal snakes may experience very different temperatures at different heights.
Lighting
Golden Tree Snakes are strongly diurnal.
Provide bright daytime lighting and a clear photoperiod.
Approximately:
11–13 hours of daylight
is suitable depending on season.
The enclosure should be genuinely dark at night.
UVB
Low-level UVB is recommended.
Provide a gentle UV gradient so the snake can choose between:
- direct exposure
- partial shade
- complete shade
A UV Index around approximately:
1–2
at accessible basking positions is appropriate where accurately measured.
Humidity
Maintain moderate-to-high humidity.
Approximately:
60–80%
is suitable for much of the time.
Humidity can rise after misting and fall gradually afterwards.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential.
Do not create a sealed, constantly wet enclosure in an attempt to maintain humidity.
Poor airflow can contribute to:
- respiratory problems
- bacterial growth
- mould
- skin disease
Misting
Light misting can help maintain humidity and provide drinking droplets.
Allow some drying between misting cycles.
Daily misting may be suitable in many setups, but actual frequency should depend on measured conditions.
Water
Fresh water must always be available.
Use a stable bowl positioned where the snake can access it easily.
Some individuals may drink droplets from leaves after misting.
Diet in the Wild
Golden Tree Snakes are opportunistic vertebrate predators.
Natural prey includes:
- lizards
- geckos
- frogs
- birds
- bats
- rodents
- other small vertebrates
Lizards are especially important in the diet of many wild individuals.
Captive Diet
Some established captive animals accept appropriately sized rodents reliably.
Others may initially prefer:
- lizards
- scented rodents
- other naturalistic prey
A detailed feeding history should always be obtained before purchase.
Captive-Bred Animals
Captive-bred animals are strongly preferable.
Advantages include:
- known feeding history
- lower parasite risk
- reduced stress
- known age
- better acclimation
- reduced wild collection pressure
Wild-Caught Animals
Historically, many Golden Tree Snakes in the trade have been wild-caught.
Wild-caught individuals may arrive with:
- dehydration
- internal parasites
- external parasites
- feeding refusal
- injuries
- chronic stress
Strict quarantine is essential.
Prey Size
Use moderate prey sizes.
The meal should create a modest swelling.
This is a naturally slender arboreal snake and should not be deliberately overfed.
Juvenile Feeding
Juveniles can generally be offered appropriately sized prey approximately:
every 5–7 days
depending on:
- prey size
- growth
- body condition
Adult Feeding
Adults can generally be fed approximately:
every 7–14 days
depending on:
- prey size
- activity
- body condition
- reproductive state
Feeding Tongs
Use long feeding tongs.
Do not hand-feed.
Their speed and rapid feeding response make hand-feeding unnecessary and unsafe.
Handling
Golden Tree Snakes are best regarded as observation animals.
Handling should be:
- minimal
- calm
- purposeful
- avoided when unnecessary
They are fast enough that a startled animal can leave the keeper’s hands in seconds.
Stress
Reduce stress by providing:
- dense foliage
- elevated hides
- visual barriers
- predictable routines
- minimal disturbance
An exposed, frequently handled animal may become chronically defensive.
Social Housing
Individual housing is recommended.
Permanent cohabitation can create:
- competition
- feeding accidents
- reproductive stress
- difficulty monitoring health
Sexing
Reliable sexing may involve:
- probing
- tail morphology
- veterinary imaging
Probing should only be performed by an experienced person.
Breeding
Golden Tree Snakes are oviparous.
Captive breeding is achievable but remains less common than with mainstream colubrids.
Breeding should only be attempted with mature, healthy animals.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal variation in:
- temperature
- humidity
- rainfall
- photoperiod
may influence reproductive activity.
Environmental cycling should remain within safe husbandry limits.
Egg Laying
Females require access to a secure laying area containing appropriately moist substrate.
Suitable media may include:
- sphagnum moss
- vermiculite
- soil-based laying mix
The medium should be humid but not waterlogged.
Clutch Size
Clutch size varies.
Several eggs are typical, with actual number depending upon:
- female size
- age
- body condition
Incubation
Eggs should be incubated under stable warm and humid conditions.
Temperatures around:
26–28°C
are commonly appropriate.
Avoid excessive heat.
Eggs should not be rotated once incubation is established.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings are:
- small
- slender
- fast
- excellent escape artists
Provide:
- secure housing
- fine climbing branches
- dense foliage
- appropriately scaled hides
- clean water
- correct heat and humidity
Hatchling Feeding
Young Chrysopelea may initially prefer lizard prey.
Some can be established onto scented rodents.
Anyone breeding the species should plan for this before eggs hatch.
Quarantine
All newly acquired snakes should undergo quarantine.
A minimum period of approximately:
90 days
is a sensible starting point.
Longer periods are appropriate for wild-caught animals.
Monitor:
- body weight
- feeding
- faeces
- respiration
- skin
- shedding
- parasites
Parasites
Wild-caught individuals may carry significant parasite burdens.
Faecal testing is strongly recommended.
Treatment should be based on appropriate veterinary diagnosis.
Signs of Good Health
A healthy Golden Tree Snake should generally show:
- clear eyes
- clean nostrils
- intact scales
- good muscle tone
- regular tongue flicking
- confident climbing
- alert daytime behaviour
- regular feeding
- complete shedding
Warning Signs
Seek veterinary advice for:
- persistent food refusal accompanied by weight loss
- repeated regurgitation
- wheezing
- open-mouth breathing
- bubbles around the nostrils
- skin lesions
- abnormal swelling
- persistent retained shed
- parasites
- neurological signs
- severe lethargy
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Insufficient Height
These are highly arboreal snakes.
Empty Tall Enclosures
Height must be filled with usable climbing structure.
Poor Enclosure Security
They are fast and capable escape artists.
Excessive Handling
This species is better suited to observation.
Keeping Them Too Wet
Moderate-to-high humidity should be balanced with airflow.
Poor Lighting
They are strongly diurnal.
Assuming Every Individual Will Eat Rodents
Some animals remain specialised feeders.
Overfeeding
Their naturally slender build should be preserved.
Buying Wild-Caught Animals Without Preparation
Imported animals may require advanced quarantine and feeding strategies.
Responsible Ownership
Before acquiring a Golden Tree Snake, ensure you can provide:
- large arboreal housing
- secure containment
- strong daytime lighting
- appropriate UVB
- reliable whole-prey feeding
- quarantine facilities
- experienced veterinary care
Captive-bred animals should always be preferred where available.
Suitability
Advantages
- extraordinary gliding behaviour
- highly active during daylight
- beautiful colouration
- fascinating arboreal behaviour
- excellent display species
- manageable adult mass
- suitable for large naturalistic enclosures
Considerations
- rear-fanged
- extremely fast
- requires substantial height
- secure enclosure essential
- may be defensive
- some individuals are specialist feeders
- wild-caught animals can be difficult
- not suitable for frequent handling
Summary
The Golden Tree Snake is one of the most remarkable arboreal snakes in the hobby.
Successful husbandry centres on:
- a large secure arboreal enclosure
- extensive climbing structure
- dense foliage
- bright daytime lighting
- low-level UVB
- a proper thermal gradient
- moderate-to-high humidity
- good ventilation
- fresh water
- reliable whole-prey feeding
- minimal handling
- strict quarantine
- preference for captive-bred animals
Its ability to flatten the body and glide between trees makes Chrysopelea ornata one of the most specialised locomotor systems seen in snakes.
For experienced keepers able to provide a secure, vertically complex environment and appropriate feeding, it can be an outstanding display species.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Chrysopelea ornata is a rear-fanged snake. Bites should be avoided and significant symptoms following a bite should receive appropriate medical assessment.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of exotic reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026