D'Albertis python facts for kids
Quick facts for kids D'Albertis python |
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Leiopython
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| Species: |
albertisii
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The D'Albertis' python (scientific name: Leiopython albertisii) is a cool type of snake. People also call it D'Albert's water python or the northern white-lipped python. It's a kind of python, which means it's a non-venomous snake. This snake lives only in New Guinea. There are no different types or subspecies of this python.
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Where D'Albertis' Pythons Live
D'Albertis' pythons are found mostly in New Guinea. They live in areas below about 1,200 meters (around 3,900 feet) high. You can also find them on some nearby islands. These islands include Salawati, Biak, Normanby, Mussau, and Emirau. They also live on a few islands in the Torres Strait.
Why They Are Called D'Albertis' Pythons
The special name albertisii was given to this snake to honor someone. It's named after an Italian explorer. His name was Luigi D'Albertis.
What D'Albertis' Pythons Look Like
Adult female D'Albertis' pythons can grow quite long. They average about 213 centimeters (6 to 7 feet) in total length. This includes their body and tail. Both male and female pythons don't have many patterns. They might have some light marks behind their eyes.
The top of their head is a shiny black color. Their upper and lower lip scales are white. These white scales have black marks on their front edges. The snake's body can be brownish-violet. This color fades to yellowish on its belly. Some pythons are blackish-blue. Their color fades to gray underneath.
How D'Albertis' Pythons Behave
D'Albertis' pythons mostly live on the ground. But they can also climb trees sometimes. People say these pythons can be a bit aggressive. However, pythons born and raised by humans are usually calmer. These snakes have also been seen spitting up fur balls. This happens after they eat furry prey.
What D'Albertis' Pythons Eat
D'Albertis' pythons eat different kinds of animals. Their diet includes small to medium-sized birds. They also eat small to medium-sized mammals. Baby pythons and young ones often eat lizards. These snakes hunt at night. They have special heat-sensing pits. These pits are on their upper and lower jaws. They help the python find its prey in the dark.
How D'Albertis' Pythons Have Babies
D'Albertis' pythons lay eggs. This means they are oviparous. A female python that is old enough to have babies can lay about a dozen eggs. The eggs stick together in a neat pile. The mother snake then coils her body around them. The baby snakes hatch after about two months. They are usually around 38 centimeters (15 inches) long when they emerge.
