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Can Snakes Fly?

Updated: Jun 04, 2024

There are five species of snakes that have the ability to glide through the air and are generally referred to as flying snakes. All of these species are part of the genus Chrysopelea and are included in the family Colubridae. Flying snakes do not actually fly in the same sense that birds are capable of flight. Instead, these snakes are able to flatten their bodies and undulate in a manner that makes it possible to catch the air and glide for limited distances.

More facts about flying snakes:

  • Flying snakes generally are considered better gliders than the better-known flying squirrels. The snakes, because of their superior skill in gliding, sometimes use flight as a way to escape predators.

  • These types of snakes tend to be active during the daytime. Their diets include bats, lizards, birds and various types of rodents.

  • The length of flying snakes varies based on the species involved. Smaller species can grow to a length of 2 feet (61 cm), and the larger species might grow as long as 4 feet (1.2 m).

Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
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