Description:
Green tree pythons exhibit dramatic ontogenetic color change as they mature (i.e., juveniles may be yellow, red, etc. and turn green as they grow older). As adults, green tree pythons can be found in a wide range of green shades, sometimes with a smattering of blue coloration, as well. In the wild, green tree pythons feed on frogs, lizards, small mammals and birds. In captivity, they will accept mice and rats. Some keepers also offer chicks and quail. An appropriate sized rodent should be offered about once every 10 to 14 days. Morelia viridis is an arboreal snake. It requires a clean, well-ventilated cage measuring at least 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 4 feet tall. Its enclosure should feature several sturdy branches, as this snake likes to coil on branches while resting. Other cage items include a water bowl, hiding spots, a peat moss substrate and plants. Temperatures should be around 81 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the basking area should be heated to around 90 to 95 degrees. A daily misting helps maintain humidity.
Habitat:
Rainforest and dense vegetation areas.
Range:
The jungles of eastern Indonesia, the Aru Islands and Australiaâs Cape York Peninsula.
Scientific Name: Morelia viridis
Species Group: python
Family: Pythonidae
Size: One of the smaller python species, the green tree python averages 5 to 6 feet in length.
Level: intermediate
Weight:
Dangerous: No
