Green Tree Python

The green tree python is one of Australia’s most striking snakes, famous for its brilliant emerald-green colour and slender, muscular body. Native to the rainforests of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, this non-venomous python spends most of its life coiled up along tree branches, perfectly camouflaged among the leaves.

Juveniles are typically bright yellow, red, or orange before they transition into their vibrant green adult colouring—a change that often occurs around 6 to 12 months of age. This arboreal predator uses its strong prehensile tail for climbing and stability, wrapping around branches while it lies in wait for prey. With its head angled downward in a typical “saddle” position, the green tree python strikes quickly and efficiently, grabbing small birds, lizards, and mammals using its sharp, backward-facing teeth. It constricts its prey until subdued, then swallows it whole.

Green tree pythons are mostly nocturnal and solitary. During the day, they often remain motionless and well-hidden in foliage. At night, they become more active hunters, using heat-sensitive pits along their upper lip to detect warm-blooded animals even in the dark. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they are generally calm snakes when not disturbed. These snakes play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling populations of small vertebrates. 

Did You Know?

Green tree pythons don’t drink from standing water like many other animals! instead, they rely on droplets that collect on their scales and nearby leaves. When rain or humidity causes condensation, they’ll lick the moisture directly from their own bodies or surroundings using their flickering tongues.