Green tree pythons (Morelia viridis) are arboreal snakes from New Guinea and nearby islands. Adults are commonly green, but juveniles are often red or yellow before changing color as they mature. A green adult should not be treated as the only normal appearance.
Ambush and constriction
These pythons wait on branches for suitable prey and use constriction after a strike. Constriction rapidly impairs circulation; it is not simply a slow process of suffocation. Prey is swallowed whole, so claims about a fixed body-width limit oversimplify how feeding works.
Diet changes with age and opportunity
Young snakes may take small lizards and invertebrates, while older snakes take larger vertebrate prey. Exact predator lists and broad “top predator” claims depend on location and evidence, so they should not be repeated as universal facts.
Specialized captive care
Green tree pythons are not a casual pet. Legal, captive-bred sourcing, secure arboreal housing, correct temperatures and humidity, and reptile-veterinary support are essential. Do not handle wild snakes or use feeding demonstrations for entertainment.
Forest conservation
Protecting forest structure and avoiding illegal collection help the species more than close contact. Watch from a distance and let a snake remain in the branch or cover it chose.
