# Painted Bronzeback

> Painted Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus). The painted bronzeback is a slender active snake ranging across Southeast Asia and southern China; side pattern must be checked with head shape.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dendrelaphis-pictus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/dendrelaphis-pictus/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Painted Bronzeback (*Dendrelaphis pictus*) is a reptile in the family Colubridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, Central Java. Diet: predator of lizards and frogs; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Dendrelaphis pictus* |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Observation records | West Java, Bali, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 798 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2459346) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of lizards and frogs · [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/painted_bronzeback.htm) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Dendrelaphis&species=pictus) |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · [Uyeda et al. 2022, Snakebite Envenomation, Attitudes, and Behavior toward Snakes in Banten, Indonesia (Animals)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9404431/) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683) |

## What is the Painted Bronzeback?

Painted Bronzeback refers to Dendrelaphis pictus, in the genus Dendrelaphis, family Colubridae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2459346)

## What is known about the Painted Bronzeback?

The painted bronzeback is a slender active snake ranging across Southeast Asia and southern China; side pattern must be checked with head shape.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrelaphis%20pictus)

## How many Indonesian records name the Painted Bronzeback?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 798 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2459346&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Bali, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2459346&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Painted Bronzeback?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Painted Bronzeback with Common Wolf Snake, Indo-Chinese Rat Snake, Oriental Whipsnake. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Painted Bronzeback

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | *Dendrelaphis* |
| Species | *Dendrelaphis pictus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Painted Bronzeback

### What is the scientific name of the Painted Bronzeback?

The scientific name of the Painted Bronzeback is *Dendrelaphis pictus*, in the family Colubridae.

### What kind of animal is the Painted Bronzeback?

The Painted Bronzeback is a reptile in the family Colubridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of lizards and frogs.

### Where does the Painted Bronzeback live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Painted Bronzeback summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Painted Bronzeback eat?

The Painted Bronzeback is a predator of lizards and frogs. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/painted_bronzeback.htm).

### How does the Painted Bronzeback reproduce?

The Painted Bronzeback reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Dendrelaphis&species=pictus).

### Is the Painted Bronzeback venomous?

No. The Painted Bronzeback is not venomous. Source: [Uyeda et al. 2022, Snakebite Envenomation, Attitudes, and Behavior toward Snakes in Banten, Indonesia (Animals)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9404431/).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### Is the Painted Bronzeback nocturnal?

The cited source records the Painted Bronzeback as diurnal (active by day). Source: [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Painted Bronzeback?

Scientific classification of the Painted Bronzeback: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Colubridae, genus *Dendrelaphis*, species *Dendrelaphis pictus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Painted Bronzeback endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Painted Bronzeback is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2459346), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Painted Bronzeback is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2459346)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2459346&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/26644)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrelaphis%20pictus)
5. [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/painted_bronzeback.htm)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Dendrelaphis&species=pictus)
7. [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683)
8. [Uyeda et al. 2022, Snakebite Envenomation, Attitudes, and Behavior toward Snakes in Banten, Indonesia (Animals)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9404431/)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Common Wolf Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lycodon-capucinus/)
- [Indo-Chinese Rat Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptyas-korros/)
- [Oriental Whipsnake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ahaetulla-prasina/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Painted Bronzeback. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dendrelaphis-pictus/