At a glance the quick version
Females can reach about 1.6 kg; exceptional animals around 2.2 kg are recorded.
Looks how to spot one
Smooth scales; slim arboreal build with a gripping tail
A slender tree-dwelling python with a strong, prehensile tail for holding onto branches and heat-sensing pits along the upper lip. Adults are a vivid leaf green, often with a broken white or yellow line along the spine and a pale yellowish belly.21
Personality what they are like
Regarded as a species for experienced keepers. Many are cautious and quick to defend themselves, but captive-bred animals can settle down with short, calm, regular handling sessions.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Strongly arboreal and spends most of its time on branches. Adults are mainly active at night while young snakes are more active by day. In the wild they cover a fair amount of ground, so a roomy setup is preferred.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs warm, humid rainforest conditions: a basking area around 27-30 C, a cooler side of about 21-27 C, nights of roughly 20-22 C, and humidity that moves between about 40 and 70 percent with time to dry between mistings. A 12-hour light cycle with UVB is recommended.4
Home where they are happiest
An enclosure of at least about 90 x 60 x 60 cm (3 x 2 x 2 ft), larger where possible, fitted with several firmly fixed horizontal perches, vines and plants, plus one low perch for ambushing food.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivore. Wild adults eat mainly small rodents, with lizards and other small animals taken too. In captivity, hatchlings eat every 5-7 days, juveniles every 1-2 weeks and adults every 2-4 weeks, with appropriately sized rodents and some variety.124
Company who they like around
A solitary species that lives alone in the wild and is normally housed singly.2
The story where it all began
Hermann Schlegel described the snake in 1872 as Python viridis, using animals from the Aru Islands. For more than a century it sat in its own genus, Chondropython, before a 1993 study moved it into Morelia. Genetic work in 2003 found two lineages that split around five million years ago.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Babies hatch yellow, red or reddish-brown and turn green somewhere between 6 and 12 months of age.3
- 2
It looks remarkably like South America's emerald tree boa even though the two are not close relatives, a classic case of convergent evolution.2
- 3
Young snakes wiggle the tip of their tail as a lure to draw in curious prey.2
- 4
A green tree python can have more than 100 teeth.3
- 5
It rests in a neat saddle of coils draped over a branch with its head tucked in the middle.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2010)1
- CITES
- Appendix II1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Green Tree Python. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Fresh waterevery day
- Temperature checkCheck the warm and cool endsevery day
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Spot cleanevery 2 days
- FeedingHow often depends on species, age and sizevaries
- Shed checkNote each shed in the diary; a complete shed is a good signvaries
- Weigh inevery month
- Full cleanevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Green Tree Python?
Your Green Tree Python's feeding schedule depends on its age. Hatchlings eat every 5-7 days, juveniles every 1-2 weeks, and adults every 2-4 weeks, with appropriately sized rodents. Always follow the food label and check with your vet for the best routine.124 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Green Tree Python eat, and what should it never eat?
Green Tree Pythons are carnivores; in captivity they eat appropriately sized rodents. For a safe diet, always feed pre-killed prey from a reputable source. Ask your exotic-pet vet for a complete list of foods to avoid.124
How much space does a Green Tree Python need?
Your Green Tree Python needs an enclosure at least 90 x 60 x 60 cm (3 x 2 x 2 ft), larger if possible. It should have several firmly fixed horizontal perches, vines, and plants, plus a low perch for ambushing food.4
What temperature, light or water does a Green Tree Python need?
Provide a basking area around 27-30°C, a cooler side of 21-27°C, and nights of 20-22°C. Humidity should move between 40-70% with drying periods. Use a 12-hour light cycle with UVB, and offer fresh water daily.4 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Green Tree Python's home?
Spot-clean your Green Tree Python's enclosure every 2 days, and do a full clean every 30 days. Furry Diary's starting plan also includes checking humidity and temperature regularly. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Green Tree Python live with others?
Green Tree Pythons are solitary and live alone in the wild, so they should be housed singly. Keeping them together can cause stress or aggression.2
How long does a Green Tree Python live?
With proper care, your Green Tree Python can live 15 to 20 years. That's a long, wonderful commitment, so be prepared for a beautiful companion for many years.234
Can I handle a Green Tree Python?
Green Tree Pythons are for experienced keepers; they can be cautious and quick to defend themselves. Captive-bred individuals may settle with short, calm, regular handling sessions. Always handle gently and respect their mood.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Green tree python - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for range, weight, length, status, history, captivity, facts
- Morelia viridis - Animal Diversity Web animaldiversity.orgused for body, colour change, behaviour, diet, lifespan, facts
- Green tree python - Smithsonian's National Zoo nationalzoo.si.eduused for size, colour change, lifespan, fun facts
- Green Tree Python Care Sheet - ReptiFiles reptifiles.comused for enclosure, temperatures, humidity, lighting, feeding, handling
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.