Ahaetulla nasuta, commonly known as the sharp-nosed vine snake, is an arboreal snake of the family Colubridae, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, especially in India, Sri Lanka, and other areas of Southeast Asia. With a slender and extremely stylized body that can reach between 1.5 and 2 meters in length, this snake is recognized by its characteristic elongated beak-like snout, which is believed to help it in hunting and camouflage among the branches. The coloration of the species is predominantly bright green, which facilitates its camouflage among the foliage, although variations in brown and yellowish tones have also been observed in some populations, depending on the specific habitat and environmental conditions.
Ahaetulla nasuta is diurnal and highly adapted to arboreal life, spending most of its time in trees and bushes where it moves with great agility and precision. Its diet consists mainly of small birds, lizards and frogs, which it hunts using its camouflage technique and its speed when attacking. Although it belongs to the colubrids and its bite is not lethal to humans, it has been observed to possess a low-potency toxin, which is effective in immobilizing its small prey. This species has opisthoglyphous dentition, with grooved posterior fangs that allow the inoculation of venom, although it does not represent a significant danger to people.
Regarding its reproductive behavior, Ahaetulla nasuta is oviparous. Females lay between 6 and 10 eggs, which they incubate in protected places in dense vegetation. Juveniles emerge fully developed and are independent from birth, with an approximate length of 30 centimeters. In its natural environment, this snake faces threats such as deforestation and habitat loss, which has affected its distribution in some areas. However, according to the latest studies and assessments of the IUCN Red List, Ahaetulla nasuta is considered a species of "least concern", given that it still has healthy populations in protected areas and in less disturbed habitats. However, the need to monitor its populations in areas where land use change could represent an increasing risk is recognized.
Approximate dimensions of the replica:
Ahaetulla nasuta is diurnal and highly adapted to arboreal life, spending most of its time in trees and bushes where it moves with great agility and precision. Its diet consists mainly of small birds, lizards and frogs, which it hunts using its camouflage technique and its speed when attacking. Although it belongs to the colubrids and its bite is not lethal to humans, it has been observed to possess a low-potency toxin, which is effective in immobilizing its small prey. This species has opisthoglyphous dentition, with grooved posterior fangs that allow the inoculation of venom, although it does not represent a significant danger to people.
Regarding its reproductive behavior, Ahaetulla nasuta is oviparous. Females lay between 6 and 10 eggs, which they incubate in protected places in dense vegetation. Juveniles emerge fully developed and are independent from birth, with an approximate length of 30 centimeters. In its natural environment, this snake faces threats such as deforestation and habitat loss, which has affected its distribution in some areas. However, according to the latest studies and assessments of the IUCN Red List, Ahaetulla nasuta is considered a species of "least concern", given that it still has healthy populations in protected areas and in less disturbed habitats. However, the need to monitor its populations in areas where land use change could represent an increasing risk is recognized.
Approximate dimensions of the replica:
- 1:1 scale Complete
- Length 185 mm
- Height 200 mm
- Width 100 mm
