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18004SNAKE
Australian snake guide

Common tree snake

Dendrelaphis punctulatus

Slim and fast, usually green, olive or black with a yellow throat. Some are blue.

Habitat and distribution

Gardens, trees and houses along the northern and eastern coast.

Safety

Gives off a strong smell when handled. No venom.

Quick facts

Venom
Non-venomous. It may give off a strong smell or inflate its neck to look bigger when threatened.
Size
Usually 1.2 to 1.5 m, occasionally up to 2 m.
Active
By day. Climbs well and is often seen in gardens, trees and on verandahs.
Diet
Mainly frogs, plus lizards and small animals.

Often confused with

Common questions

Is the common tree snake venomous?

No. Common tree snakes, also called green tree snakes, are harmless to people. They can still bite if handled.

What colour is a common tree snake?

They are often green or olive with a yellow belly, but some are black, blue-grey or brown. Colour alone is not a safe way to identify any snake.

Where it is found

Approximate range based on AROD, adapted to our dot grid. Approximate historical reference range; not a habitat or absence assessment. Listed for 6,868 towns and suburbs. Ranges are approximate and do not confirm occurrence at a particular address.

Call 1800 4 SNAKE (1800 476 253)

If someone has been bitten, call 000. Never approach or handle a snake to identify it.