Stats

Lifespan: 15-20 yrs
Size: Medium
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Tropical rainforest
Range: New Guinea and northern Australia
Movement: Climbing
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Camouflage
Status: Rare

About

The green tree python is a vivid emerald arboreal snake from New Guinea and northeastern Australia, famous for its horizontal coiling posture — loops draped over branches with the head resting in the centre. Juveniles hatch bright yellow or red before undergoing a striking colour change to brilliant green as they mature.

Life cycle

1.
hatchling
A miniature snake emerges from the egg or from its mother (live-bearers), already venomous or strong-coiled in some species.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile sheds its skin, grows quickly, and hunts smaller prey than the adults.
3.
adult
Fully grown at adult length and pattern.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Morelia
Species: Morelia viridis