An unmistakable arboreal or tree-dwelling python, the adult green tree python is emerald green in colour with a yellowish belly. Occasional specimens also have small white markings along the back. Hatchlings on the other hand, are quite different, emerging from the egg a bright sulphur yellow or sometimes reddish-orange, changing into the adult colouration after 1-2 years. Green pythons are relatively short, stout-bodied snakes rarely exceeding 1.5-1.8m in length. Like all pythons they are non-venomous but are armed with an impressive set of long recurved teeth to enable them to maintain a grip on their struggling prey amongst the branches. |