The Ryukyu Green snake (Cyclophiops semicarinartus)

is a non-venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands They are fairly common here on Okinawa. I often find them in the Yanbaru forest. They are harmless and pose no threat to your safety.

• • Scientific name: Cyclophiops semicarinartus

• • Local name: Ryukyu Ao Hebi – Ryukyu Green snake

• • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands

• • Habitat:  Forests and grasslands

• • Diet:  Earth worms

• • Average size:  60cm -80cm

• Color:  Olive green with a yellow belly

Ryukyu Green snake (Cyclophiops semicaricartus) © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Green snake closeup

There’s a snake on my snake boot! I highly recommend wearing snake boots while herping in northern Okinawa.  Check out my post on venomous snakes of Okinawa for more info.

Snake boot – Ryukyu Green snake (Cyclophiops semicaricartus) © Shawn Miller

A juvenile Ryukyu green snake interested in the Canon 100mm 2.8 lens.

Ryukyu snake on the Canon 100mm macro lens © Shawn Miller

The snakes are sometimes found crossing the road a night.

Headshot- Ryuyu Green snake © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Green snake – Amami Island

Ryukyu Green snake (Cyclophiops semicaricartus) © Shawn Miller

My son holding a juvenile Ryukyu Green snake. This friendly snake was on display to educate the youth.  Yanbaru Wildlife Center.

Ryukyu Green snake

The  Ryukyu Green snake feeds on earthworms, no need to kill it.

Road Kill – Ryukyu Green snake and beetles © Shawn Miller

My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives and bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support.  Shawn M Miller.