At first glance, the emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) and the green tree python (Morelia viridis) look almost identical. Their bright green scales, arboreal lifestyle, and striking coiled postures can confuse even experienced reptile enthusiasts.
But in reality? These two snakes—despite their similar appearances—are entirely different species with unique behaviors, origins, and care requirements.
If you're considering one of these snakes as a pet or simply want to distinguish between them, this guide breaks down their key differences—from their natural habitats to their temperament and handling needs.
Emerald Tree Boa Vs. Green Tree Python
Emerald tree boas and green tree pythons have similar appearances but differ in so many ways. Here are some of their top differences:
Origins
One of the most significant differences between emerald tree boas and green tree pythons is their geographic origin. Emerald tree boas are native to the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. Green tree pythons hail from New Guinea, Indonesia, and parts of Northern Australia.
Despite their different continents, both snakes have adapted to similar tropical rainforest environments, which influences their care in captivity.
This is a classic example of convergent evolution, where unrelated animals develop similar traits due to living in comparable environments.
Appearance
While both species have bright green bodies with occasional white or yellow markings, there are several key physical differences:
| Feature | Emerald Tree Boa | Green Tree Python |
| Head Shape | Broader, boxier head with pronounced ridges | Narrower, more rounded head |
| Scales | Larger, more pronounced scales with a uniform texture | Smaller, uneven scales, especially around the head |
| Nose Shape | Squared-off snout | More rounded snout |
If you’re unsure whether you’re looking at a boa or a python, check the head shape and scales—emerald tree boas have noticeably larger, more uniform scales, while green tree pythons have smaller, irregular ones.
Birth Method (Live Vs. Egg Laying)
One of the biggest biological differences between these snakes is how they reproduce. Emerald Tree Boas are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. The babies develop inside the mother in soft-shelled eggs that hatch internally before birth.
Green tree pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. A female python will coil around her clutch to keep them warm until they hatch.
Green tree pythons typically lay 6-30 eggs per clutch. Emerald tree boas give birth to 6-14 live young at a time. This key reproductive difference is an easy way to tell them apart in a breeding scenario!
Temperament and Handling
When it comes to personality and ease of handling, green tree pythons tend to be the better choice for keepers who want a more manageable snake.
Emerald tree boas are known for their defensive and aggressive tendencies, often striking when disturbed. They have larger, more pronounced teeth that can deliver a painful (though non-venomous) bite.
In fact, emerald tree boas have some of the largest teeth of any non-venomous snake. Great for catching prey… not so great when you’re an owner or breeder trying to safely handle one!
Green tree pythons can also be defensive, but they are generally less aggressive than boas. With consistent, gentle handling, many green tree pythons can be socialized over time.
Juvenile Coloration
If you ever see a young emerald tree boa and a young green tree python side by side, their color difference is striking. Emerald tree boas are born red or orange. Green tree pythons hatch in shades of yellow, red or brown before gradually turning green during the first year of their lives.
Are emerald tree boas venomous?
If you are familiar with emerald tree boas, you can describe them as more aggressive and temperamental than the pythons. However, these aggressive snakes have a non-venomous bite though they have large front teeth. These large front teeth make their bite to be very painful.
Are green tree pythons venomous?
Like the boas, the green tree pythons are not venomous. Also, their bit is less painful than emerald tree boas. When the green tree pythons bite you, you will feel like a needle pricked you. The aftereffects of the bite are often puncture wounds, scratches, or bruising.
How big do emerald tree boas get?
The boa's size varies with its location. In the wild, they can grow up to 10 feet in length. However, in captivity, the boa grows up to six feet in length and weighs between two and four pounds. One thing to note is that the snake's feeding frequency, husbandry, diet, and health also play crucial in the Emerald Tree Boa size. Therefore, look beyond the size to know the difference between emerald tree boas and green tree pythons.
How big do green tree pythons get?
The average green tree python size is 5 feet in length. Green tree pythons are also leaner than boas and have an average weight of about 3.5 lbs. Like the boas, the python's size depends on its diet, health, and husbandry.
What is the best size for an emerald tree boa enclosure?
A baby emerald tree boa snake can begin staying in a cube that is 1*1*1 feet. On the other hand, the best emerald tree boa enclosure for an adult is a 3*2*2 feet enclosure. When it comes to adult boas, the width is more vital than the height, as the snakes love moving from one branch to another.
The best enclosures for boas are either commercially available glass aquariums, like the ReptiZoo Glass Reptile Terrarium, or plastic reptile enclosures. Also, make sure that you secure these enclosures using lids and clips to prevent your snakes from escaping.
When providing the boa with an enclosure, make sure to provide temperatures that mimic their natural habitat in the rainforest. The rainforest often has humid and warm temperatures, so ensure the enclosure's temperature is warm.
The best daytime temperature for emerald tree boas ranges between 86- and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is necessary for basking. Therefore, add a heat source to the cage. The best heat sources you can consider include; Zoo Med Nocturnal infrared heat lamp or the Exo Terra Ceramic Heat Heater.
What is the best size for a green tree python enclosure?
Both the green tree pythons and boas are comfortable living in environments with similar parameters. Thus, ensure that the pythons' temperature, humidity, and branches are similar to the boas.
Like the baby boas, the best green tree python enclosure size for a baby python should be 1*1*1 feet. The enclosure of the adult python is also similar to that of adult boas, 3*2*2 feet.
In addition, both snakes survive best in a terrarium with a humidity of 60 to 80 degrees, as it mimics the humid environment in the rainforest. This humid environment will encourage your snakes to shed well!
So, Which Snake is Right for You?
While emerald tree boas and green tree pythons look alike, their differences in temperament, reproduction, and handling needs set them apart. If you’re considering one as a pet, think about:
- Experience level - Green tree pythons are better suited for intermediate keepers, while emerald tree boas require more handling experience
- Size and habitat - Both species need large, humidity-controlled enclosures with plenty of branches for climbing
- Handling needs - Green tree pythons are less aggressive but still require patience and care
No matter which species you choose, both make stunning display animals for reptile enthusiasts willing to meet their care requirements.
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