The Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) is a fascinating species known for its vibrant coloration and arboreal lifestyle. Native to the rainforests of New Guinea, parts of Indonesia, and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia, these pythons are most recognizable for their striking green coloration, which provides excellent camouflage among the foliage. Interestingly, juveniles are not born green; they typically start life in shades of bright yellow, orange, or red. This coloration helps them blend in with the forest floor and low vegetation, where they spend their early months before transitioning to the trees as they mature. Over time, as they age, their color changes to the vivid green that adults are known for, though some individuals may retain patches of their juvenile coloration or develop blue or white speckling, making each python unique.

In addition to their captivating appearance, Green Tree Pythons have a distinctive hunting method that sets them apart from many other snake species. They are ambush predators, relying on their exceptional camouflage and patience to catch prey. Typically, they coil themselves on a branch with their head resting in an "S" shape, ready to strike at passing prey, which mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their heat-sensing pits, located along the jawline, enable them to detect the body heat of warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness, making them highly effective nocturnal hunters. This combination of adaptive coloration, arboreal habits, and specialized hunting techniques makes the Green Tree Python a truly remarkable species in the reptile world.