It’s not easy being green, or so that charming, amphibious, banjo-strummer would have us believe. But however difficult life is for the emerald-hued denizens of this great, blue, planet, there’s no denying that green is the colour of life. There is a reason we seek out fields, forests and gardens when we need rest and regeneration. For many, the colour almost seems to have life-giving qualities. No group of animals has embraced this hue with more enthusiasm than the herpetiles. Whether this is down to camouflage, communication or reasons as yet unknown, one thing is for sure: It gives these creatures an awe inspiring beauty that is seldom matched in the animal kingdom…
Click on an image to start the gallery:
This Vine Snake was one of many found near the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station . Credit: JP Dunbar
The lovely greens seen in this pet Jackson’s Chameleon offer a stark contrast to the backdrop. Credit: Florence Ivy
This stunning Anole was found relaxing on a front porch. Credit: Jay Williams
The intense greens seen in this Western Bush Viper, make it an emerald of the natural world. Credit: Emma Lawlor
A wild chameleon with incredibly vivid colouration. Credit: Rob Gandola
Camouflage doesn’t come much better than that displayed by this Mossy frog. Credit: Naomi O’ Reilly
The strong deep greens in this photo give all the more life to the sparse splashes of blue, red and yellow. Credit: Ian Millichip
The many shades of green expressed by this Yemen Veiled Chameleon, almost create a monochrome rainbow. Credit: Emma Lawlor
The overwhelmingly deep greens captured in this photo only serve to exagerrate the primeval appearance of this Iguana. Credit: Naomi Reilly
One of South America’s most beautiful frogs. The striking red eyes on this individual are made all the more prominent by the sea of green that dominates the photo. Credit: Cat Hendry
This Malabar flying frog was discovered while searching for King Cobras in Western Ghats, India. Credit: JP Dunbar
The aptly named, Emerald Tree Boa. Credit: Emma Lawlor
The Herpetological Society of Ireland 