Geographic range: Nearctic, Neotropical: O. aeneus is native to extreme south of United States (sc. Arizona), through Mexico and Central America to southern Brazil and central Bolivia. In Mexico it is found along both coasts.

Physical characteristics: Slender, vine -like snake with elongated head and pointed snout. Females are larger than males. Average snout - vent length is 64 to 87 cm. Tail is very long - up to 70% of snout vent length. Eyes with round pupils are moderately large. Scales on upper body are weakly keeled or smooth.
This species is rear fanged and although slightly poisonous, not dangerous to humans. Bites may cause irritation.
Color of upper surface is light tan, brown or gray, often with small dark spots. Labial scales and throat are white or yellowish and a black stripe across the eye is present. Underbody is light tan or gray without any pattern.

Food habits: Mostly prays on small reptiles, especially genus Norops, but it occasionally consumes insects, frogs, small mammals and birds.

Reproduction: Females lay clutches of 3 to 5 eggs during summer rainy season.

Behavior: O. aeneus is diurnal and primarily arboreal. Occasionally can also be found on ground. When threatened forms a coil and strikes weakly with mouth opened displaying black lined oral cavity.

Habitat: This species inhabits low and moderate elevations of thorn forest, second growth and forest edges. Also tropical deciduous forest and oak savannah.

Biomes: tropical and subtropical forest