Leiopython is a genus of snakes in the family Pythonidae.

Leiopython
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Subfamily: Pythoninae
Genus: Leiopython
Hubrecht, 1879

Species

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The genus Leiopython contains the following species:

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Leiopython.

Description

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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

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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

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  1. ^ Species Leiopython albertisii at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  2. ^ Species Leiopython fredparkeri at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  3. ^ 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
  4. ^ Mehrtens JM (1987). Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ "Leiopython albertisii. at Cold Blooded Creations". Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  7. ^ "White Lipped Python". Python Snake Database. Snake Estate. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  8. ^ Schleip, Wulf (June 2009). "Leiopython albertisii (Northern White-Lipped Python). Behavior" (PDF). Herpetological Review. 40 (2): 231. Retrieved 14 December 2016.