GTP vs. ETB??

How would one tell a green tree python, Morelia viridis, apart from an emerald tree boa, Corallus caninus?

They look so similar, and both strike the same pose in trees... I must be missing something obvious.

Look at the variance in head shape and the scalation on the heads, the ETBs seem to have larger scales. Also ETBs have a bit more slender "snouts" for a lack of a better term...whereas GTP are more arrowhead shaped and uniform head.

Just look at LOTS of pictures, you'll get the idea!

Hope this helps

I find boas snouts look VERY different from the python. If you look at the head, the Pythons will be squared, stocky looking. They will also, like before mentioned have smaller scales on the head. Whereas the Boa will have larger wider scales.

The boas also have a snobby look to their face, almost like they are snarling LOL :P J/K, but there is quite a few differences. Best bet is to go look at a bunch of pictures like J said. ;)

Python
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thu...ree_python.jpg

Boa
http://www.ryanphotographic.com/Emer...Tree%20Boa.jpg

Yea, it's just a matter of looking at two pictures side by side and comparing them.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...entreehead.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...8/smalletb.jpg


The top one is a Green Tree, the bottom is an Emerald. You can see the scales around the nostrils are larger on the GTP, and the heat pits are placed differently. ETBs also tend to have the white zig zaggy markings on the body. Overall they are just subtly different, eventually you will be able to tell them apart at a glance. It just takes time!

You dont have to compare if you look at the heat pits. Python's heat pits are in the scales where as in boas thay are in between scales.

get bit by a green tree and then get bit by a emmy and i bet you'll never forget who is who again! :O

Not all the time, but most, you can tell a python becuase they have a more triangle shaped head. Their jaw muscles stick out the sides a lot further, very similar to a BP. Rather than the boas, who tend to have a thicker neck, giving the apperance of smaller jaw muscles.

make any sense at all?

Thanks to everyone. I'm starting to see the difference... though I still think it's hard from far away. The heat pits is definitely a biggie.

It also seems like the ETB has a more curved head...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/4...7fdc6b73d4.jpg

Anyone want to post a tough picture and see if I can tell the difference? ;)