| Leiopython | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Subfamily: | Pythoninae |
| Genus: |
Leiopython Hubrecht, 1879 |
Leiopython is a genus of snakes in the family Pythonidae.
Species
The genus Leiopython contains the following species:
- L. albertisii ( W. Peters & Doria, 1878) [1] – D'Albertis' python, northern white-lipped python
- L. fredparkeri Schleip, 2014 [2] – Karimui Basin white-lipped python, southern white-lipped python
- L. biakensis Schleip, 2008 [3] – Biak white-lipped python
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Leiopython.
Description
Female adults of the northern white-lipped python (L. albertisii) grow to an average of about 213 cm (6–7 ft) in total length (including tail), whereas the southern white-lipped python (L. fredparkeri) can reach up to 300 cm (9.8 ft) in total length. Both species are patternless, except the northern white-lipped python has some light markings on its postoculars, [4] which are absent in the southern whitelip python. [5]
Behavior
Although mostly terrestrial, snakes of the genus Leiopython can and are known to occasionally climb. [6] White-lipped pythons are reportedly aggressive, though this is reduced in those born and raised in captivity. [7] These snakes have also been observed to regularly regurgitate fur balls from their prey. [8]
References
- ^ Species Leiopython albertisii at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Species Leiopython fredparkeri at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Tallowin O, O'Shea M, Parker F (2018). "Leiopython biakensis " (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. at Cold Blooded Creations". 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.