The green smooth snake is non-venomous: learn to tell it apart from the bamboo pit viper

The green smooth snake (Cyclophiops major) is a small to medium-sized non-venomous snake, fairly common in the mountainous and hilly areas of southern China. Its whole body is emerald green and glossy, slender in build, with an oval head and a clean, handsome appearance, so it easily draws attention in the wild.

Because the colors are similar, the green smooth snake is often mistaken for the venomous bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus stejnegeri), but the two differ considerably. The bamboo pit viper has a triangular head, eyes that are mostly red, and a reddish tail tip; the green smooth snake has an oval head, black eyes, and a gentle temperament. When you come across a green snake in the wild, just keep your distance and observe these features; do not rashly grab it by hand.

The green smooth snake is active by day, mostly dwelling near woodland, grass and farmland. It does not move quickly, and when startled it often first stays still. It feeds mainly on earthworms, slugs and insect larvae, which makes it somewhat helpful in controlling pests, and it is a beneficial member of the ecosystem.

Many people want to keep it as a pet because of its good looks, but the green smooth snake is demanding about its environment, is timid and easily startled, and is very hard to keep well in artificial conditions; casually catching wild individuals is also inadvisable. The best way to deal with it is to neither disturb nor harm it, and let it stay in its natural environment.