Emerald tree boa

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The emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) lives in the Amazon rain forest of South America. It is perfectly adapted for life in the trees, being difficult to spot as it coils around a tree branch and blends into the foliage. These snakes grow up to two metres (6.5 feet) in length. It has white markings along the back that also help with its camouflage, as these mimic shafts of sunlight playing on green leaves. The emerald tree boa preys on birds and small mammals, which it catches by lunging outwards or downwards while firmly anchored to a branch by its tail. Its eyes have vertical pupils which help it to sense movement. It can also detect the heat given off by an animal, thanks to deep pits in the scales around its mouth. Long teeth enable it to get a firm grip on its prey. Up to 15 young will be born each season. These are variously coloured in shades of red, orange or yellow, only acquiring their green coloration after one year. (Photo taken from a copyright-free source)