Common Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis tristis)

Common Name: Common Bronzeback
Scientific Name: Dendrelaphis tristis
Source: WC
Adult Size: Typically 100–130cm (approximately 3.5–4.5ft)
Native Range: Widely distributed across central, south, east, and west India, with records extending into parts of South and Southeast Asia

Enclosure: A minimum 90×60×90cm Viperia PVC vivarium is recommended for this active, arboreal species — the tall format is essential. Furnish generously with sturdy branches, cork tubes, and live or artificial foliage to allow confident climbing and resting at height. A bioactive or coconut fibre substrate works well for maintaining light ambient humidity at the floor level.
Heating: Maintain a warm basking spot of around 30–32°C, with an ambient temperature of 24–27°C across the enclosure. A moderate night-time drop to 20–22°C is appropriate and reflects natural conditions.
Humidity: Aim for 50–70% relative humidity. Light daily misting of the enclosure walls and foliage, combined with a well-planted or cork-rich setup, will help maintain this range without waterlogging the substrate.
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask within 20–30cm of the lamp. As a diurnal (day-active) species from open woodland habitat, Dendrelaphis tristis benefits meaningfully from access to a quality UV source.
Diet: Common Bronzebacks feed primarily on lizards and frogs in the wild. In captivity they can often be transitioned onto appropriately sized defrosted mice or scented prey items, though some individuals remain lizard-focused feeders. Juveniles typically feed every 5–7 days; adults every 7–10 days.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Common Bronzeback is a slender, fast-moving tree snake (arboreal — meaning it lives and hunts up in the vegetation rather than on the ground) found across a vast range of India and beyond. It takes its name from the warm bronze-to-olive colouration running along its back, often with a paler lateral stripe, giving it a distinctly elegant appearance that turns heads in any well-planted vivarium.

This species is best suited to a keeper who already has some experience with colubrids — they are alert, inquisitive, and nippy when first acquired, though many settle with calm, consistent handling over time. If you enjoy watching an active, visually striking snake go about its day with genuine personality, the Bronzeback is a rewarding and relatively uncommon species to work with.