Painted Bronzeback
About the Painted Bronzeback in Singapore
Last updated 3 June 2026
The Painted Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus) is a highly active, non-venomous snake and one of the most common snake species found in Singapore's parks, gardens, and forests. They are diurnal residents, meaning they are active during the day.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Painted Bronzeback!
The Painted Bronzeback features a prominent bronze or coppery-brown coloration running along the very top of its back and a distinct, thick black stripe running straight through its eye and down the side of its neck, resembling a bandit's mask. It also has a thin, pale yellowish-white stripe running along its lower sides. While they can reach lengths of 1 to 1.5 meters, most individuals are smaller.
Habitat and ecology
Painted Bronzebacks are excellent climbers that spend most of their time moving quickly through shrubs, bushes, and low trees. Their large eyes give them excellent vision, allowing them to spot and chase down prey such as small tree frogs and lizards.
Did you know?
When a Painted Bronzeback feels threatened or cornered, it will inflate its neck and body to look bigger. As it does this, its scales spread apart to reveal a stunning flash of bright turquoise-blue! This is commonly mistaken for blue skin, but the colour is actually on the hidden back edges of the individual scales themselves. When the snake is calm, the scales tightly overlap and completely hide these brightly colored portions.
Learn more about the Painted Bronzeback!
Curious about the Painted Bronzeback? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
