BLACK WHITE-LIPPED PYTHON Leiopython hoserae Hoser, 2000
The 2-3-metre White-lipped Python is allegedly found on northern Torres Strait islands which constitute Australian territory. This species is also found in southern New Guinea. A smaller similar form (L. albertisi) is found in the north of New Guinea. The snake pictured (derived from Port Moresby PNG) is typical of 'Australian' specimens.
The scalation is smooth with 45-55 mid-body rows, 260-90 ventrals, single anal and 60-80 divided subcaudals.
This terrestrial species occurs in forested habitats and feeds principally on small mammals.
Although not often kept in captivity, keepers who have held White-lipped Python rarely had difficulty in breeding this species. It lays about ten eggs which take about sixty days to hatch.
Python Taxonomy (as of 2000).
The above was from the book Australian Reptiles and Frogs by Raymond Hoser and now available on a fantastic CD-Rom along with a vast amount of other information, papers and the like on reptiles, frogs and other wildlife.