Green Tree Pythons
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| Green Tree Python | ||||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
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| Morelia viridis (Schlegel, 1872) |
The Green Tree Python is a species of tree-dwelling python native to New Guinea, various islands in Indonesia, and the northern tip of Western Australia (Cape York Peninsula). Between localities, there are several supposed patterning differences; for example, species from Aru Island, Indonesia typically have more white spotting than species from say, Papua New Guinea.
Green Tree Pythons, formerly known as Chondropython viridis, are also referred to as ""Chondros"" by people in the reptile industry. After several taxonomic changes, taxonomists have finally settled with "Morelia viridis" as the scientific name.
The Green Tree Python is remarkable in several ways: one, it uses heat-sensitive labial pits to help capture its prey -usually at night, and two, it goes through a drastic color change between childhood and adulthood. Green Tree Python neonates can range from highlighter yellow to brick red or brown. Adults have a wide range of colors as well, but most are green with some variation -depending on selective breeding or locality.