African green forest-dwelling tree snakes similar in appearance to the Philothamnus species but differing from the latter in having strongly keeled dorsal scales. The keeled ventral scales aid in climbing. At least one of the species and probably both are diurnal. The diet of both includes tree frogs, and H. smaragdina preys on arboreal lizards as well. SHDA record that captive specimens of H. lineata settled quickly, but the food requirements of these snakes would be hard for most keepers to meet.
In some details (head shape, anal shield) the two snakes are rather different, and indeed H. smaragdina was once placed in the genus Gastropyxis. Some authorities still consider this a valid arrangement: we have gone along with SHDA's arrangement, but time will tell.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Distribution | Size | Notes |
| Hapsidophrys | ||||
| H. lineata | Black-Lined Green Snake | Africa, from Guinea, Dem Rep Congo and N Angola to Uganda and Kenya: poss. also Rwanda | Max 96cm, avg 60-90cm | Found in forest and thick woodland from sea level to 1,800m. Scalation details: 15 rows at midbody; ventrals keeled, 150-175; 93-115 paired subcaudals; anal undivided. Other: head quite rounded; pupil round; body cylindrical; tail proportionately long (quarter to third of body length). Coloration: overall green; each dorsal scale is edged in black on its upper and lower margins, thus giving the snake an impression of being finely striped; ventrally pale or yellow-green; fine black or blue-black median line may be present under the tail; head scales may also be dark-edged; tongue light blue with black tip; iris golden or orange. Reproduction details: oviparous; no other details available. |
| H. smaragdina | Emerald Snake | Tanzania west to Guinea-Bissau and south-west to N Angola | Max 1.1m, avg 70-100cm | Found in woodland, forest and deforested areas, including islands. Scalation details: 15 rows at midbody; ventrals keeled, 150-174; 129-172 paired subcaudals; anal divided. Other: head quite pointed; pupil round; body cylindrical but belly rather square; tail proportionately long (over a third of body length). Coloration: overall green or turquoise; ventrals green at outer edges but otherwise yellow; chin, lips and throat yellow; black line runs from near tip of snout through eye and towards neck; iris yellow or golden-brown. Reproduction details: 3-4 eggs laid per clutch; no other details available. |
Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Robert Drewes and James Ashe, Academic Press London 2002.
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