The Paradise Flying Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) has no wings, no limbs, and no membrane. It flies anyway.
Found across Southeast Asia, from Thailand to the Philippines, this arboreal snake launches itself from a branch by forming a J-shape with its body, then springs outward. In the air, it flattens its ribcage to create a concave surface, doubling its width. It then undulates laterally, generating lift and steering with precision.
A single glide can cover between 10 and 100 meters (33 to 330 ft). It is the most efficient glider among all flying snake species.
It is the only known limbless vertebrate capable of controlled aerial movement.
It is mildly venomous. Not dangerous to humans.
It hunts lizards, frogs, and small mammals. In the trees. Or between them.