Bismarck Ringed Python (Bothrochilus boa) hatchling. As they mature the brilliant orange of these snakes is replaced with a dull brown. The survival advantage of these bright colors on this non-venomous species is not fully understood, although such coloration is usually a warning to potential predators (aposematic coloration). This python is limited to a small chain of islands off Papua New Guinea called the Bismarck Archipelago. Photographed under controlled conditions.