Philothamnus battersbyi, also known commonly as Battersby's green snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to northeastern Africa.
The specific name, battersbyi, is in honor of British herpetologist James Clarence Battersby (1901–1993).[3]
P. battersbyi is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.[2]
P. battersbyi is found in a variety of natural habitats close to water, including forest, savanna, grassland, and freshwater wetlands, at altitudes from sea level to 2,600 m (8,500 ft).[1] It has also been found in polluted streams in major cities.[1]
The holotype of P. battersbyi, an adult female, has a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 76.2 cm (30.0 in) and a tail length of 28.3 centimetres (11.1 in).[4]
P. battersbyi is arboreal[1][2] and diurnal.[1]
P. battersbyi preys upon amphibians, which may include caecilians, frogs, and toads.[1]
P. battersbyi is oviparous.[2] Clutch size is 3–11 eggs. Some communal nesting has been observed, with as many as 40 adult females laying over 100 eggs together in one nest.[1]
Philothamnus battersbyi, also known commonly as Battersby's green snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to northeastern Africa.