Flying Snake Leaps and Glides Over 300 Feet, Biologist Explains
The golden flying snake (Chrysopelea ornata), native to South and Southeast Asia, has evolved the ability to leap from trees and glide over 300 feet using body flattening and undulation, allowing it to access prey and escape predators in dense forests. Its unique adaptation involves muscular control and aerodynamic body shaping, making it one of the most visually striking and remarkable gliding snakes, with evolutionary roots dating back around 20 million years.