Leiopython
Genus of snakes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leiopython is a genus of snakes in the family Pythonidae.
| Leiopython | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| 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:
- 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]