Fraser Coast snake catcher the envy of his field with bedazzling blue beauties

Snake catcher Drew Godfrey says he has found four blue phase tree snakes on the Fraser Coast. (Supplied: Hervey Bay Snake Catchers)

They’re a rare prize and most snake catchers are lucky to come across one every few years, if ever.

But Hervey Bay snake catcher Drew Godfrey has relocated four blue phase tree snakes in the past year alone.

Their stunning neon blue colour makes these harmless reptiles stand out.

"We had a call from a lady to identify a snake, which we identified as a common tree snake," he said.

"The whole body will be completely blue, and the vibrancy varies between individual specimens.

"The one yesterday was bright blue, but there can also be a dull navy blue."

Mr Godfrey says the Fraser Coast could be home to many more blue tree snakes. (Supplied: Hervey Bay Snake Catchers)

University of Queensland researcher Dr Christina Zdenek said it could only be speculated as to why the colour variations occurred. 

"It could be a genetic drift that is random, some mutations happen in a few individuals and it doesn't confer any disadvantage so it gets passed on simply for other reasons that the snake survives and reproduces," she said.

"Then it could become common in a certain area.

"Other potential explanations are ecologically driven.

"You would have more of these in captivity because they're non-venomous and absolutely stunning."

Dr Zdenek, with one of her own snakes, says there may be many blue phase tree snakes being kept as pets. (Supplied: Nick Hamilton)

A snake catcher's dream

Mr Godfrey said most snake catchers would be lucky to come across the rare variation every few years.

"I have mates who are snake catchers that have never seen them and have lived in their range their whole lives.

"When we caught our first one, I had a few messages from mates giving us a few choice words saying that they've been waiting a long time to see one.

The neon blue colouration on some of the snakes is caused by a genetic variation. (Supplied: Hervey Bay Snake Catchers)

"You're happy when someone else gets a snake that you've wanted to see — but of course, there's that part of you where you wish it was you as well."

Out of the blue? Probably not

Mr Godfrey said the Fraser Coast could be home to many more blue tree snakes, but as there were no official studies done, it was hard to say how many may be living in the wild.

Green tree snakes are more commonly found in the region. (Supplied: Queensland Fauna Consultancy )

"Here on the Fraser Coast, the green tree snake is the most common species of snake that you will see.

"I guess where there's a lot of them, there will be more blue ones."

Dr Zdenek said it was interesting that the blue variation had been popping up on the Fraser Coast. 

"It could just be a random variation. Unless you found a lot more than four, I wouldn't speculate too much," she said.