Chrysopelea ornata (Thai: งูเขียวพระอินทร์) is a mildly venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrid snake found in both South and Southeast Asia.

[2][3][4] Along with the other species in the Chrysopelea genus, the golden tree snake is very unusual, as it is capable of a type of gliding "flight" (more of a controlled "throwing" or "falling")—mainly utilised during the pursuit of prey animals—from tree-to-tree.

[2] The lateral, sharp and pronounced keeled condition of the ventrals in association with the normal, not enlarged, vertebral row of scales distinguish this snake.

[2] Chrysopelea ornata has two major colour forms, and their descriptions are given below:[2] This species is considered mildly venomous, as it is rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous).

Opisthoglyphy is typically indicative of an animal that consumes reptiles and/or amphibians, as it is thought that the placement of the teeth in the back of the mouth aids the snake in wrangling and controlling wriggly, slippery lizards, frogs, toads, etc.

They are frequently seen moving up a coconut palm, or up vertical rock faces in graceful curves, gripping the somewhat uneven surfaces with their scales.

They tend to be nervous, fast-moving snakes, and attempt to flee if disturbed, but generally do not hesitate to bite if handled.

This concave surface acts like a parachute, and increases air resistance, allowing the snake to glide forward with the thrust of its launch.

In southern parts of Thailand, they are reported to hide in the thatch of the roofing material inside bungalows to prey on geckos and mice during the night.

In these areas, one can almost be certain to be relatively close to a C. ornata most anywhere, perhaps hiding in the crown of the nearby coconut palm, under the roots of a tree, or even curled up in a potted plant.

In recent years, ornate flying snakes have become increasingly available in the exotic pet trade; many are exported from Vietnam and neighboring countries.