Scientific Name: Corallus hortulanus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Subfamily: Boinae
Genus: Corallus
Physical Characteristics
Adults grow to an average of 5 and 6.5 feet (1.5-2 m) in length. This species exhibits an infinite variety of colors and patterns. The basic color can be anywhere from black, brown, or gray, to literally any shade of red, orange, yellow, or any color in between. Some are totally patternless, while others may be speckled, banded, or saddled with rhomboid or chevron shapes. Some reds will have yellow patterns, some yellows red or orange patterns. Generally, there are two color 'phases' that are genetically inherited, but are not ontogenic as with the emerald tree boa and the green tree python. The 'garden phase' refers to boas with drab coloration, mostly brown or olive, with varied patterning, while the 'colored phase' refers to animals with combinations of red, orange, and yellow coloring.
Distribution
They can be found in South America in southern Colombia east of the Andes, southern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Amazonian Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Behavior
Temperament depends on the individual. Some are very docile when handled, whereas others are more aggressive.
Diet
These snakes do not eat a lot of birds as is commonly believed. In captivity, these snakes are fed a diet of domestic mice and rats. Feeding frozen-thawed is preferred over live because live rodents can harm the snake.
Reproduction
The Green Tree Python has been reported to mate and lay eggs throughout the year. However, most mating for both species occurs from November through January in the northern hemisphere.
