Green Tree Python Size report

The Green Tree Python (scientific name: Morelia viridis) is a small arboreal nocturnal python native to New Guinea, Indonesia, and northern Australia. Although it is a boa constrictor, the body length of this species rarely exceeds 180 centimeters, which is considered a pocket-sized boa constrictor. No subspecies have been identified, but there are clear regional differences.

Green Tree Pythons, like other tree pythons, remain perched on trees. They curl up their body on branches and hang their heads in the middle, which looks like a saddle from a distance. This unique perching posture is almost identical to that of the emerald tree boa in South America. Because the two are so similar in appearance and perching behavior, they are often confused.

Due to its small size and gorgeous appearance, the Green Tree Python has always been sought after in the international pet market. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a large number of captive-breeding Green Tree Python larvae have entered the pet market, making the price of this species lower and more stable. If you also want to raise one, you must read the following post about how big Green Tree Python will grow and how they live.

Green Tree Python Size And Appearance

True to its name, the Green Tree Python has a bright green body and scattered white or yellow scales. There are also Green Tree Pythons from some places of origin that only have yellow and white scales in the center of the back. The back of light yellow individuals has mainly black stripes mixed with white spots; the back stripes of bright red and red brick individuals are mainly white mixed with black spots. Their upper lip scales have a pair of heat-resistant grooves. There is no obvious distribution of scales on the top of the Green Tree Python's head, and the white spots on the body are irregularly distributed.

Green Tree Python larvae hatched in the same litter may appear in various colors simultaneously, including light yellow, bright red, and brick red. Juveniles mature into bright green adults within a few months to a few years after birth. The Green Tree Pythons from individual places of origin will maintain a light yellow body color after adulthood.

Average Size of Green Tree Python

The average body length of an adult Green Tree Python is about 0.9-1.5 meters, and the highest record is 2.1 meters. The adults can reach an average weight of 1.1-1.6 kg. The Green Tree Python's lifespan in the wild is believed to be an average of 15 years. However, they can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Living Habits and Reproduction

The small, Green Tree Pythons are found only in the rainforests of several islands in the Pacific Ocean, where they feed on small mammals. Green Tree Pythons mostly live on branches and rarely move on the ground. They mainly eat small mammals, such as rodents and other reptiles. The aggressiveness of this kind of python is stronger than that of ordinary snakes, and their teeth are specially developed and sharp to adapt to the needs of preying on mammals.

Green Tree Pythons are oviparous and can produce about 12 to 25 eggs each time. These snakes generally reach sexual maturity at about 2 years old. Both males and females mate with several different partners in their lifetime. They do not have a specific breeding season and may mate at any time of the year. The females will place the eggs in holes and then hatch them. The body color of the juveniles born after hatching is mainly light yellow, with light purple and brown markings. As the baby snake grows, its body color will slowly change to a bright green color.

Concern Status

Due to various reasons, the captive breeding of Green Tree Pythons has always been difficult. The Green Tree Pythons on the market, especially the adults, are mostly wild individuals. Although affected by human capture, the wild population of the Green Tree Python has not been seriously affected due to its wide distribution and inaccessible living environment. Green Tree Pythons are identified as "Least Concern" on the ICUN Red List. Even so, to protect this species from the threat of overfishing, the Green Tree Python is still included in CITES Appendix II; its international trade is subject to certain restrictions, and it is legally protected in some countries.

The greatest ecological threat to the Green Tree Python is the gradual destruction of its primary habitat due to forest development, especially in West New Guinea. On the other hand, the ancient forest where the Green Tree Python inhabits is also home to some Papuan natives who have the custom of eating snakes, which is another serious threat to Green Tree Pythons.

Final Words

For snake lovers, the Green Tree Python is truly a fantastic species. Due to its small size and gorgeous appearance, the Green Tree Python has always been sought after in the international pet market. In our experience, Green Tree Pythons are not very active, so the terrarium does not need to be big. Be sure to have sturdy branches at various heights in the terrarium, providing places for Green Tree Pythons to rest and move around. Green Tree Pythons do require some special care. They are tropical animals, so the right humidity is as important to them as the right temperature. In summer, the box's average day and night temperature will cycle between 29-26°C and between 29-16°C in winter. Air humidity needs to be maintained above 70%.