Adults of this snake species grow to about 1.8 m in length. They have highly developed front teeth that are proportionately larger than those of any other non-venomous snake.
They have an emerald green ground color with a white irregular interrupted zigzag stripe down the back and a yellow belly however juveniles vary in color between various shades of light and dark orange or brick-red before ontogenetic coloration sets in at 9 – 12 months old and the animals turn emerald green.
The Emerald Tree Boa is ovoviviparous meaning her eggs will hatch internally and will produce on average 6 – 14 young at a time, sometimes even more.
The species name, batesii, is in honor of Henry Walter Bates, an English naturalist and explorer, for whom Batesian mimicry is also named.
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Listed as Least Concern in view of the large extent of occurrence and because the species probably is not declining very fast. Additionally, most of their habitat is pristine with no immediate threats. This species is commonly traded and would benefit from population monitoring.
