Chrysopelea paradisi, Paradise Flying Snake

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These tree dwelling snakes are found widely in the forests of South-East Asia. From a tall tree they can glide up to100 metres by flattening their body to create an aerofoil.They begin the flight with a characteristic'J' shaped loop body shapeand during flight they undulate their body.  This flight has been modelled recently recently by researchers at Virginia Tech, click here for details.

While in flight the snake's head remains relatively stable as the body undulates,presumably to allow the eyes to focus and aid navigation.

View this fabulous Youtube Video of the flight