Liasis mackloti

Liasis mackloti, commonly known as Macklot's python^[3] or the freckled python,^[4] is a species of python, a non-venomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is native to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and coastal northern Australia. Three subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.^[4]

Liasis mackloti
Liasis mackloti savuensis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Liasis
Species:	L. mackloti
Binomial name
Liasis mackloti A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844
Synonyms
Liasis Mackloti A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844 Python timorensis S. Müller, 1844 Liasis (Simalia) Macklotii — Gray, 1849 Python timorensis — S. Müller, 1857 Liasis mackloti — Boulenger, 1893 Liasis Mackloti — F. Werner, 1897 Liasis macloti Barbour, 1912 (ex errore) Liasis mackloti mackloti — Stull, 1932 Liasis mackloti dunni Stull, 1932 Lisalia mackloti — Wells & Wellington, 1985 Morelia mackloti — Underwood & Stimson, 1990 Liasis mackloti — Kluge, 1993[2]

Etymology

The specific name, mackloti, is in honor of naturalist and taxidermist Heinrich Christian Macklot.^[5]

The subspecific name, dunni, is in honor of American herpetologist Emmett Reid Dunn.^[6]: 25

Description

Attaining 7 ft (2.13 m) or more in total length (tail included), Macklot's python is large and if not treated properly can be a poor-tempered snake. Its coloration consists of a blackish-brown to green base color, with yellow to ochre sides, and a white belly that is patterned with small and dispersed yellow spots or black speckles, while the labial scales are pale in color.^{[citation needed]}

Reproduction

Liasis mackloti is known to breed easily in captivity.^[3] It is oviparous.^[4]

Geographic range

Liasis mackloti is found in Indonesia in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Savu, Roti, Samao, Timor and Wetar, in East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and coastal northern Australia.^[4] The type locality given is "les îles de Timor et de Samao ". Brongersma (1968) restricted the type locality to "Timor" by lectotype designation.^[2]

Subspecies

Subspecies[4]	Taxon author[4]	Common name	Geographic range
L. m. mackloti	A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844	Macklot's python	Timor and Wetar, East Nusa Tenggara
L. m. dunni	Stull, 1932	Dunn's python
L. m. savuensis	Brongersma, 1956	Savu python	Savu, East Nusa Tenggara

Exotic trade and captive care

Liasis mackloti is a snake that is known and sold in the live exotic animal trade, bringing it far beyond its native range, to as far as the United Kingdom, and North America, where it is sold and kept in captivity from pet stores, speciality shops, and conventions.^{[citation needed]}

Gallery

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