haetulla

Haetulla, commonly referred to as vine snakes, is a genus of slender, arboreal snakes in the family Colubridae. They are native to South and Southeast Asia, with species found from the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka through Indochina and the Malay Archipelago to southern China and the Indonesian islands. In modern taxonomy, the genus is generally spelled Ahaetulla; some older sources may spell it Haetulla.

Physically, vine snakes are among the most elongated and slender snakes, often with a characteristic elongated, pointed snout. Many species are bright green, providing camouflage among leaves, though some populations show olive or brown coloration. They have large eyes and a pointed head adapted to quickly striking at prey.

They are diurnal or crepuscular and predominantly arboreal, spending much time in trees and shrubs above the ground. Their diet consists mainly of lizards and frogs, with occasional birds. They rely on stealth and ambush, using their long bodies to blend with twigs and leaves and strike at prey.

Reproduction occurs by laying eggs (oviparous). Clutch size and breeding season vary by species and location. Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten some populations, though several species are listed as of least concern. The genus includes notable species such as Ahaetulla prasina (green vine snake) and Ahaetulla nasuta (long-nosed vine snake).