Genus: Philothamnus (green and bush snakes)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class: Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) > Tetrapoda (four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota > Reptilia (reptiles) > Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria > Squamata > Serpentes (snakes) > Family: Colubridae > Subfamily: Colubrinae

Eighteen species of which five are native to southern Africa. The species of this genus are commonly confused with the Green mamba.

Species native to southern Africa

Philothamnus angolensis (Angola green snake) Often drops into nearby water when threatened.
Philothamnus hoplogaster (Green water snake) Specimens are know to occasionally exhibit a black band on the neck.
Philothamnus natalensis (Natal green snake) Similar to Philothamnus hoplogaster (Green water snake).
Philothamnus ornatus (Ornate green snake) Like some other members of the genus it may inflate its neck area when threatened in a manner similar to the Boomslang or Vine snake.
Philothamnus semivariegatus (Spotted bush snake) Often found in suburban gardens and often enters buildings.