This is a typical Green Tree Python.
By Dick and Patti Bartlett
Long the only species in the monotypic genus,
Chondropython, the green tree python has now been lumped with the diamond/carpet pythons in the genus
Morelia where it remains despite nomenclatural controversy. Hobbyists still often refer to this snake by the shortened name of "Chondro." The species name is
viridis, this meaning green. And this name fits the vast majority of the adults well, for almost all adults are green (occasional occurrences of yellow, blue, or albino adults have been verified) with or occasionally without white vertebral markings. But for the hatchlings it is a misnomer, for by locale they vary from bright yellow to a rich maroon-brown with reddish-brown or white highlights. These snakes are adult at 4 ½ to 5 ½ feet. The head is large, the neck slender, and the body laterally compressed.
Whether juvenile or adult, this is a beautiful snake. Adult coloration is assumed at an age of about 9-12 months and a length of about ~20 inches. It is an oviparous species, laying from a half dozen to two dozen eggs. Incubation periods of 49 to 60 days have been mentioned.
The diet consists primarily of rodents and occasional lizards. Prey is killed by constriction.
This beautiful python is a rainforest inhabitant of northeastern Australia, the Papua and New Guinea mainland and many of the surrounding islands. Adults are considered snakes of closed canopy forest while hatchlings and juveniles seemingly prefer more open and sunny perches.
This snake is a herpetocultural favorite and is bred extensively in captivity.
Having retained its baby color, this adult Green Tree Python was about 5 feet long.
This is a hatchling Green Tree Python.
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