Cyclops Green Tree Python

The Cyclops green tree python is named for the Cyclops Mountains, a protected rainforest range immediately north of Jayapura in Papua, Indonesia. This locality is valued by field herpetologists partly because the Cyclops Mountains Nature Reserve preserves relatively intact habitat for the species.

As with other locality names for Morelia viridis, it denotes a geographic population rather than a distinct taxonomic form, sharing the species' signature color-changing life history.

• Bright to deep green adult coloration with variable pale vertebral markings
• Large triangular head distinct from the neck, with heat-sensing labial pits
• Vertically elliptical pupils
• Prehensile tail and laterally compressed body
• Juveniles hatch bright yellow or red and gradually become green

Restricted to the rainforest of the Cyclops Mountains range near Jayapura, occupying understory vegetation, streamside growth, and forest edge habitat from lowland into lower montane elevations.

Nocturnal ambush predator, coiling on a branch through the day and hunting small mammals, birds, and lizards after dark. Uses constriction to subdue prey and, as juveniles, tail-luring to attract it. Oviparous, with females coiling protectively around eggs.