Macklot's python facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Macklot's python
Liasis mackloti savuensis
Scientific classification
Genus:	Liasis
Species:	mackloti
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

The Macklot's python (also called the freckled python) is a type of snake. It is a non-venomous python, meaning it does not have venom to hurt its prey. These snakes are found in Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia.

About Macklot's Python

What's in a Name?

The scientific name for this snake, mackloti, honors a naturalist and taxidermist named Heinrich Christian Macklot. Naturalists are scientists who study nature.

How Big Are They?

Macklot's pythons can grow quite large. They can reach lengths of 7 feet (2.13 meters) or even more! Because of their size, they need to be handled carefully. Sometimes, they can be a bit grumpy if they are not treated well.

What Do They Look Like?

These pythons have a base color that can be blackish-brown or green. Their sides are usually yellow or a yellowish-brown color. Their bellies are white and have small yellow spots or black speckles. The scales around their mouths are pale.

Life Cycle

Reproduction

Macklot's pythons are known to breed easily when they are kept in captivity. They are oviparous, which means the female snake lays eggs.

Where Do They Live?

Macklot's pythons live in several places. You can find them in Indonesia on islands like Savu, Roti, Samao, Timor, and Wetar. They also live in East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and along the coast of northern Australia. The first place they were officially recorded was on the islands of Timor and Samao.

Different Types of Macklot's Pythons

There are three main types, or subspecies, of Macklot's python. They are:

• L. m. mackloti: This type is called Macklot's python and lives in Timor and Wetar.
• L. m. dunni: This type is called Dunn's python.
• L. m. savuensis: This type is known as the Savu python and lives on the island of Savu.

Macklot's Pythons as Pets

Macklot's pythons are sometimes sold in the exotic pet trade. This means they are bought and sold as pets far away from where they naturally live. You can find them in places like the United Kingdom and North America. People buy and keep them from pet stores, special shops, or at animal conventions.

Images for kids

A close-up of a Macklot's python