Aru Green Tree Python

The Aru green tree python inhabits the Aru Islands, a low-lying archipelago in Maluku Province southwest of mainland New Guinea. This locality is often noted among keepers and researchers for a comparatively smaller adult size than mainland New Guinea populations.

It shares the full species-level biology of Morelia viridis, including the dramatic juvenile-to-adult color transformation, but the isolated island environment has shaped a locally recognizable form.

• Adults are green, sometimes with light yellow flecking scattered along the body
• Tends toward a smaller overall adult size compared with many mainland localities
• Large, distinct triangular head with labial heat pits
• Vertically elliptical pupils
• Prehensile tail and laterally compressed body
• Hatchlings are yellow or red, changing to green with age

Occupies lowland tropical forest and swamp forest across the low, flat Aru Islands. Arboreal and found in understory vegetation, forest margins, and mangrove-adjacent woodland close to sea level.

Primarily nocturnal, resting coiled over a branch during the day and becoming active to hunt small mammals, birds, and lizards at night. Employs an ambush strategy and constriction to subdue prey. Egg-laying, with females coiling around clutches during incubation.