#arabian jasmine

Paradise flying snake [ Chrysopelea paradisi ] with Sampaguita and male Danaid eggflies ✿

May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ♡ I want to take this month to celebrate my Filipino heritage, as well as share some of the beautiful snakes and flowers found in the Philippines.

Paradise flying snakes can be found throughout Southeast Asia, from Bangladesh all the way to the islands of the Philippines. They are able to use their ribs to flatten their bodies a surprising amount, to then glide from tree to tree in the moist forests they call home. These snakes are mildly venomous, and feed on lizards and bats in the wild.

Sampaguita (Arabian Jasmine) is the national flower of the Philippines; it is beloved for its scent, and symbolizes purity, fidelity, and hope.

I’m looking forward to sharing with all of you more of the amazing snakes that call the Philippines home ♡ Keep your eyes peeled for the release of something special from @thewashistation and several AAPI artists, including myself ~ ❤️‍