GREEN TREE PYTHONChondropython viridisReptileOrder SquamataDescription These pythons are vivid green in color, with a broken vertebral stripe of white or dull yellow. Spots of the same color may be scattered over the body. These snakes have been known to reach a length of seven feet, but the average adult is up to four feet long. Range New Guinea (West Irian, Papua) and extreme northeastern Australia (Cape York). Status Endangered due to deforestation. Photo © James Rowan |
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Ecology
Life HistoryThese snakes spend almost their entire lives in the trees. The tree python is oviparous (egg laying), typically incubating and protecting the eggs. Hatchlings are typically lemon yellow with broken stripes and spots of purple and brown. However, red or blue young can often appear in the same clutch as the yellow. The vivid juvenile colors soon change to the adult green. Special Adaptations
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