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Morelia Azurea Azurea - Numfor is a small island in the Biak archipelago, located off the northern coast of Papua, Indonesia. As part of Papua Province, Numfor is often described as a hidden paradise, with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity. It’s a place of tranquility and authenticity, largely untouched by mass tourism, where Papuan culture remains deeply rooted.
The green pythons of the Numfor locality, part of the Biak archipelago, share the genetic characteristics of Morelia Azurea Azurea. Although their size is similar to other forms within the archipelago, the Numfor locality presents distinct variations in coloration.
Numfor individuals stand out with a darker shade of green, often speckled with an abundance of white spots and a belly that is also white with black scales. Blue is another unique characteristic of these specimens, frequently appearing along the flanks and lips and sometimes dispersed across the body. This coloration has earned them the name “Biak bluish” or “Biak white spot” among imported specimens in the past.
Like other green pythons in the archipelago, the Numfor specimens undergo an ontogenetic color change, which can take up to five years to fully stabilize. At birth, they may be red or yellow, and regardless of their initial hue, they often retain a certain amount of yellow as adults. Some individuals that start out red later develop striking black crescent patterns along the dorsal line, adding an even more spectacular dimension to their appearance.
Credits text and photos : MS Arboreptiles, Chromatic Chondros