Snakes that disappear into tree branches: How they slither up trunks, blend with leaves and remain almost invisible while waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey

Walk beneath a leafy tree, and you may pass within a metre of a snake without ever knowing it. Many tree-dwelling snakes have spent millions of years perfecting the art of vanishing among branches, leaves and vines. Their colours match the foliage, their bodies resemble twigs, and some barely move for days. This quiet patience is part of how they…