The Green Tree Python, (Morelia viridis), and the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) are both commonly kept species of the family Boidae. They are remarkably similar in their management and both are predominantly green.

The Green Tree Python ranges from the Cape York Peninsula of Australia north through New Guinea and the surrounding islands. Their length can reach 160-180 cm (63-71 inches) and the pythons may have spots of blue, white, or yellow depending on population, but the spotting is variable. Green Tree Pythons can also be mostly or all yellow and some females will become blue following gravidity (pregnancy). Despite the variances that can be seen in both of these species, no subspecies have yet been described.

Emerald Tree Boas from the northern part of their range in Guyana and Suriname may be 160-180 cm (63-71 inches) long and have a broken white line and irregular blotches of white down the back. Emerald Tree Boas from the Amazon Basin are larger at 180-220 cm (71-87 inches), have a solid white line, irregular white blotches, and yellow ventral scales. Emerald Tree Boas from the Amazon Basin tend to have smaller, more minute, and more numerous scales on their heads. Those from the Amazon Basin are also more rare in captive collections.

Both the Green Tree Python and Emerald Tree Boa go through an ontogenetic color change. The Emerald Tree Boa is usually born red and turns green; however, a few are born green. The Green Tree Python is born yellow or red. Often, the red neonates (newborn) will become yellow, and then finally become green.

Habitat

Enclosure: The arboreal (tree-dwelling) habits of these snakes make their management rather specialized. They need enclosures that are taller than they are wide or deep. Cages should be secure with tight-fitting lids. The enclosure should have at least two sides made of screen to help keep the air fresh; arboreal snakes are sensitive to stale or stagnant air. The enclosure should be simple in design to facilitate cleaning.

Substrate: Suitable substrates include newspaper, butcher paper, artificial turf, aspen, orchid bark, and cypress mulch. Newspaper and butcher paper are cheap, easy to clean, and there is no danger of the snake ingesting it. Orchid bark and cypress mulch hold moisture well and help keep humidity high, resist growth of mold and fungus, and look nice, however, if these substrates are used, the snakes should be fed in a different container so they can not ingest it.

Landscaping and 'furniture': The cage should have several horizontal branches of varying width set at different heights. Cut pieces of PVC pipe makes good branches that can be easily cleaned.

Temperature

The environmental temperatures for these snakes should be a bit lower than those of other neotropical boids (other members of the Boidae family). Daytime temperature should range from 24-28°C (75-82°F) with a basking spot of 30°C (87°F) and a nighttime temperature drop to 22-24°C (72-75°F). Heat should be provided from above using lamps or heat emitters and not from underneath.

Water and Humidity

Neotropical snakes require high humidity (80-90%) for proper shedding and respiratory function. A large water bowl, misting, and a humidifier can help to keep the humidity in the proper range.