224 



SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



bay— sufficiently establishes its reputation for courage. 

 Lately, I saw one recently captured by a juggler in Bangalore 

 strike viciously and repeatedly at the man. On the other 

 hand, some specimens are not vicious, and can be handled 

 without betraying malice. Mr. Green says that his captive 

 specimens were quite gentle, and never attempted to bite 

 when handled. 



(c) Stril'infj Posture : The specimens I have seen strike 

 did so from the ground. It first raises the forebody, then 

 expands itself, bringing into view the sky-blue ornament- 

 ation of the scales. At the same time it comiiresses the neck, 

 and shghtly pouches the throat. Then there is a rapid 

 retraction, and a sudden lunge forward at the object aimed at. 



(d) Nocturnal or Diurnal : The bronze-backed tree snakes 

 are completely diurnal in habit, their colouration aiTording 

 them excellent protection, 



(e) Progression : I know of no more active snake than this 

 Indian bronze-back, and it is most remarkable how expedi- 

 tiously it can disappear in the face of danger. On the ground 

 it moves Very rapidly, with forebody erect, to the nearest 

 cover. If a tree is reached, its speed in ascent is truly 

 amazing. Mr. Green refers to its restless habit and the 

 quickness of its movements. The tenacity with which it can 

 maintain its hold in fohage imder most chsadvantageous 

 circumstances I have more than once been witness to. I 

 managed to hustle one to the extreme tips of the pendant 

 twigs of a neem tree (Melia (izadirachta), but though these 

 swayed freely under its weight and movements, the snake 

 remained firmly wreathed round them until I dislodged it with 

 my stick. 



Some species of this genu.s and Dendrophis have been 

 reported to "fly." Dendrophis piict'is, a very nearly aUied 

 Indian wpecies, is one of these. It would be more accurate, 

 however, to say these snakes "spring," Under the species 

 C'hrysopelea ornata I have remarked on this habit. It is 

 interesting to observe in this connection that Pridham* speaks 

 of a snake called by the natives " ahedoella " in the following 



Ceylon and its Dependencies, page 750. 



