Leiopython
Leiopython is a genus of snakes in the family Pythonidae.
Leiopython | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Pythonidae |
Subfamily: | Pythoninae |
Genus: | Leiopython Hubrecht, 1879 |
Species
The genus Leiopython contains the following species:
- D’Albertis' python, northern white-lipped python, L. albertisii (W. Peters & Doria, 1878)
- Karimui Basin white-lipped python, southern white-lipped python, L. fredparkeri Schleip, 2014
- Biak white-lipped python, L. biakensis Schleip, 2008[1]
Description
Female adults of the northern white-lipped python (Leiopython albertisii) grow to an average of about 213 cm in length (6–7 ft), whereas the southern whitelip python can reach up to 300 cm (9.8 ft) in length. They are patternless, except the northern white-lipped python has some light markings on its postoculars,[2] which are absent in the southern whitelip python.[3]
Behavior
Although mostly terrestrial, these snakes can and are known to occasionally climb.[4] White-lipped pythons are reportedly aggressive, though this is reduced in those born and raised in captivity.[5] These snakes have also been observed to regularly regurgitate fur balls from their prey.[6]
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Leiopython.
References
- Tallowin, O., O'Shea, M. & Parker, F. 2018. Leiopython biakensis Schleip, 2008. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T42494009A42494012.en
- Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- Schleip, Wulf D (2008). "Revision of the genus Leiopython Hubrecht 1879 (Serpentes: Pythonidae) with the redescription of taxa recently described by Hoser (2000) and the description of new species". Journal of Herpetology. 42 (4): 645–667. doi:10.1670/06-182R5.1. S2CID 84641193.
- "Leiopython Albertisii". Retrieved 14 December 2016.
- "White Lipped Python". Python Snake Database. Snake Estate. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
- Schleip, Wulf (June 2009). "Leiopython albertisii (Northern White-Lipped Python). Behavior" (PDF). Herpetological Review. 40 (2): 231. Retrieved 14 December 2016.