.ccmerino

gallery

The Green Tree Python, (Morelia viridis), and the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) are both commonly kept species of the family Boidae. They are remarkably similar in their management and both are predominantly green. The Green Tree Python ranges from the Cape York Peninsula of Australia north through New Guinea and the surrounding islands. Their length can reach 160-180 cm (63-71 inches) and the pythons may have spots of blue, white, or yellow depending on population, but the spotting is variable. Green Tree Pythons can also be mostly or all yellow and some females will become blue following gravidity (pregnancy). Despite the variances that can be seen in both of these species, no subspecies have yet been described. Emerald Tree Boas from the northern part of their range in Guyana and Suriname may be 160-180 cm (63-71 inches) long and have a broken white line and irregular blotches of white down the back. Emerald Tree Boas from the Amazon Basin are larger at 180-220 cm (71-87 inches), have a solid white line, irregular white blotches, and yellow ventral scales. Emerald Tree Boas from the Amazon Basin tend to have smaller, more minute, and more numerous scales on their heads. Those from the Amazon Basin are also more rare in captive collections. Both the Green Tree Python and Emerald Tree Boa go through an ontogenetic color change. The Emerald Tree Boa is usually born red and turns green; however, a few are born green. The Green Tree Python is born yellow or red. Often, the red neonates (newborn) will become yellow, and then finally become green.