Blue Beauty Snake (Orthriophis taeniurus callicyanous)
The Blue Beauty Snake is a large, semi-arboreal snake distributed throughout most of Vietnam. Hence, sometimes being referred to as the Vietnam Blue Beauty. It is indigenous to sub tropical and tropical habitats, occupying niches in forest, rivers and caves. They frequent human developments because it makes a prime breeding ground with the abundance of their favorite food…rodents.
These snakes average about 6 to 7 feet long, but it is common to find specimens that are 8 to 9 feet long. Their amazing coloration is a very dark blue, steel blue or sky blue. Some specimens have a band along the vertebral column from the middle of the body to the tail. They have an elongated head with dark or black horizontal stripes along the eyes. They are active both during the day and at night (diurnal and nocturnal) and spend much of their time in branches.
Their temperament can vary greatly, from very docile to very aggressive. Even a docile specimen can become aggressive if surprised or if it feels threatened. They will shake their tail if they feel cornered or threatened as a warning. Although they are non-venomous, their bite can very painful.
The Blue Beauty is a powerful snake, stalking its prey and then immobilizing it with several bone crushing constrictive coils. Although they prefer rodents, they will also prey on other small mammals.
Information courtesy of reptaquatics.com, reptile passion.com
Photo courtesy of serpentrack.com