Oxybelis fulgidus

Species of snake

Oxybelis fulgidus, commonly known as the green vine snake or the flatbread snake (not to be confused with green colored species in the genus Ahaetulla, which are also referred as "green vine snake"), is a species of long, slender, arboreal colubrid snake, which is endemic to Central America and northern South America.

Common names used in South America for this species include bejuca lora, bejuquilla verde, cobra cipó, and cobra bicuda.

It is found in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

This snake is very slender, roughly thick, and may attain a total length of about The tail is long and very delicate, but mostly used to hold on while reaching for prey. The head is aerodynamically shaped and very pointy, the mouth is very large and extends almost the whole length of the head. The tongue is long and green; when in use it is kept outside the mouth and moved up and down. this behavior is reflected in other species of vine snake and it is believed that they are using their tongues as sights the way a cat uses its whiskers, as they move very quickly through branches and brush. It is bright green dorsally, and yellowish green ventrally and on the upper lip. There is a narrow yellowish white stripe along each side of the belly and tail.

Vine snakes must be kept in large terrariums with a height of at least and a surface of The behavior towards humans is neutral and the snake usually goes to the other end of the terrarium. Some adapt very well and even come closer. Unlike their Asian look alikes, these snakes will readily take mice and some are even large enough to eat rats. This fact makes them a prized choice among reptile collectors. Captive life spans are estimated at 9–15 years.