Chrysopele a pelias aerial images Below are images of the twin-barred tree snake (Chrysopelea pelias) taking to the air. This species does not glide as well as C. paradisi, but it is able to move horizontally. (In other words, it doesn't just fall straight downward.) Most of the photos on this page were taken by Dr. Chris Sidor. J-loop posture, during takeoff. Note that , in the curve, the ventral surface faces to the side, not downward, indicating that this is a lateral (side) bend.
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Chrysopelea pelias aerial images
Below are images of the twin-barred tree snake (Chrysopelea pelias) taking to the air.This species does not glide as well as C. paradisi , but it is able to move horizontally. (In
other words, it doesn't just fall straight downward.) Most of the photos on this pagewere taken by Dr. Chris Sidor.
J-loop posture, during takeoff. Note that, in the curve, the ventral surface faces to theside, not downward, indicating that this is a lateral (side) bend.
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Accelerating upward during takeoff.
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Mid-glide posture.
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Mid-glide.
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Mid-glide.
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About to land on the ground. Notice that in this posture, the tail will make contact first,which will reduce the impact force on the head.
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Landing.
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Chrysopelea paradisi aerial images
Below are images of the paradise tree snake (Chrysopelea paradisi ) taking to the air.This species glides well, and can maneuver in the air.
Upon becoming airborne, the paradise tree snake flattens out from just behind the headto its vent (the multi-purpose opening used for waste ejection and mating, seen here asa small bump at the end where the scale pattern changes). On the bottom surface, thesnake's cross-section is mostly flat with a small curve on each side, giving the snake a
somewhat concave shape. The flattening doubles the snake's normal width.
