Emerald tree boas are nonvenomous, arboreal snakes. They use their prehensile tail to hold onto tree branches. Their head rests atop their coiled body during the day; at night, they hunt for birds but may also eat small reptiles and mammals. Adult emerald tree boas are a bright green colour with paler yellow or white bellies, and some have striking white marks along their backs. As juveniles, these snakes are yellow, orange or red.