Spotted Bush Snake

The spotted bush snake or variegated bush snake (Philothamnus semivariegatus) is a slender, harmless snake widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Adults are usually about 60–90 cm long, although large individuals exceed 1 m and exceptional animals may approach 1.3 m.

The body varies from bright green to olive or coppery green. Dark spots or short crossbars normally cover the front half to two-thirds of the body, while the rear body and tail are plainer. The underside is pale, and the iris is usually conspicuously yellow, orange or reddish.

The combination of dark spotting and a brightly coloured iris helps distinguish it from other green snakes, although colour varies geographically.

Spotted bush snakes use a wide variety of habitats, including savanna, open woodland, forest edge, thicket, riparian vegetation, coastal bush and semi-desert. They also live in gardens, parks and around buildings where shrubs, trees and suitable prey are available.

Geckos, chameleons and other lizards are frequent prey, but frogs are also important. A study published in 2025 found that P. semivariegatus is a flexible generalist that takes both lizards and frogs rather than a strict lizard specialist. Other small vertebrates are taken opportunistically.

The snake searches actively through shrubs, trees and other elevated vegetation and may also hunt around buildings and gardens where geckos are abundant.

The species is diurnal and an excellent climber. Keeled scales on the underside help it grip tree bark, walls and other rough surfaces, and much of its activity takes place above ground in shrubs and trees.

When threatened, the snake usually relies on speed and rapidly disappears into vegetation. It is non-venomous and harmless to people, although an animal that is captured or handled may bite in defence.

The species lays eggs. Females deposit about three to twelve elongated eggs in a warm, sheltered place during midsummer. Hatchlings are approximately 23–30 cm long. Lifespan is estimated at around 10 years.

Spotted bush snakes frequently occur around gardens and buildings, where their bright green colour can cause concern. They are often killed after being mistaken for the highly venomous eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) or boomslang (Dispholidus typus).

The characteristic dark spotting over the front part of the body is a useful clue when identifying a spotted bush snake. Because misidentification can be dangerous in either direction, unknown wild snakes should be left alone rather than handled or approached closely.

The spotted bush snake is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List, based on the assessment published in 2021. It has an exceptionally large range, occurs in many habitats and remains common in substantial parts of its distribution.

Habitat conversion, road mortality, domestic cats and deliberate killing can affect local populations, but no major decline is known for the species as a whole.