This diurnal, arboreal species occurs in a variety of habitats ranging from evergreen, semi evergreen hill forest, tropical dry deciduous forests, plantations, and human modified environments, generally with at least some standing forest. It can even be found in urban areas, where it has been found in houses (T. Chan-ard pers. comm. August 2011) It feeds on frogs, lizards and smaller birds and bats. Females lay 6-12 elongate eggs in June to July in India (Whitaker and Captain 2004).

This species occurs from India and Sri Lanka across southern China, southward across the Southeast Asian mainland to northern Peninsular Malaysia (Smith 1943, Zhao and Adler 1993, Cox et al. 1998). In India, it is found throughout Peninsular India, with the exception of the drier zones of the Eastern Ghats and the northwest, ranging into northeastern India. It has been recorded between 10 and 1,300 m asl.

No species-specific conservation measures are required. In India, this species is listed on Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It occurs in protected areas within its range. Research is needed to clarify whether this widespread snake represents a species complex.