[2] Owing to their nature as obligate ovivores, all members of the genus Dasypeltis are arboreal, preferring to remain in the trees where they can locate bird-nests, and tend to be nocturnal as this is when the diurnal bird species they prey upon are asleep and most likely to leave their eggs unguarded.

Their diet also affects their biology, and has resulted in an evolutionary adaptation that has removed their teeth and substantially increased the capacity of their necks.

Once inside the neck, three bony projections from the cervical vertebrae are extended and the egg is crushed against them, puncturing and cracking it.

However, in the wild they will only eat eggs that are at a very early stage of development, and cannot digest a foetal bird chick.

It is believed that their primary defence stems from Batesian mimicry, as most species in the genus Dasypeltis strongly resemble other, venomous snake species such as black mambas or vipers, providing them with a deterrent against predators.