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:

• 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]