
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Leiopython albertisii
A python with an unpatterned medium to dark brown body, a blackish-brown to black head, and striking white upper and lower labial scales edged in black at the front. The whole body is strongly iridescent, shimmering like a rainbow at certain angles.
The white-lipped python (Leiopython albertisii) is a python of New Guinea and its surrounding islands. Adult females average about 213 cm and the species reaches 3 m. The body is an unpatterned medium to dark brown with a pale grey to yellowish throat and belly. The head is long and clearly set off from the slender body and is blackish brown to black, with striking white upper and lower labial scales edged in black at the front, the source of the English and Japanese names. A whitish spot often appears behind the eye. The skin is strongly iridescent. Two pairs of parietal scales on the crown distinguish it from its southern relatives. It lives on the ground in rainforest and marshland below 1,200 m and takes refuge in nearby water when disturbed. Prey comprises small to medium-sized mammals, birds and reptiles. Females lay about a dozen eggs in a compact pile and, like other pythons, guard the clutch; the young hatch after 57-79 days at 35-40 cm long.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The White-Lipped Python lives 18-25 years.
The White-Lipped Python grows to Adult females average about 213cm, with a maximum of 3m.
Origin
Most of New Guinea below 1,200 m in both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea, plus Salawati, Biak, Normanby, Mussau and Emirau and islands in the Torres Strait, in rainforest and marshland near water
Lifespan
18-25 years
Size
Sources: Reptile Database: Leiopython albertisii / Wikipedia (German): Weisslippenpython / Wikipedia (English): D'Albertis python
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Leiopython albertisii (Peters & Doria, 1878)
Synonyms: Liasis albertisii Peters & Doria, 1878, Leiopython gracilis Hubrecht, 1879, Bothrochilus albertisii (Peters & Doria, 1878)
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Listed on CITES Appendix II as all species of Pythonidae spp., effective February 4, 1977. As it is listed on Appendix II, no international endangered species certificate is required. Of the specified animals listed in the Animal Welfare and Management Law Enforcement Decree, only 5 species of Pythonidae are designated and this species is not included. It is not included in the specified invasive species under the Invasive Species Law Enforcement Decree. The IUCN Red List assessment is Least Concern (LC).
Sources: CITES Species+ (Pythonidae spp., Appendix II, effective 4 February 1977) / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, appended table
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Adult females average about 213cm, with a maximum of 3m
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Carnivorous: small to medium-sized mammals, birds and reptiles
It lives in rainforest and marshland below 1,200 m, usually close to water. As a tropical lowland animal it should be kept at relatively high humidity with a clear warm-to-cool gradient. Dry conditions lead to shedding problems.
A terrestrial snake exceeding 2 m, it needs an enclosure with enough floor area for it to lie coiled with room to spare. Because it flees into water when disturbed, provide a container it can fit into. Place hides on both the warm and cool sides, and use a lid that locks securely to prevent escapes.
It takes small to medium-sized mammals, birds and reptiles, constricting them and swallowing them whole. In captivity offer frozen-thawed mice and rats sized to the snake. It has a strong feeding response, so use a hook or similar to keep hand and food clearly distinguishable at feeding time.
It has a strong feeding response and some individuals are short-tempered. The head is clearly set off from the body and is drawn back into an S when the snake is defensive. Calm animals exist, but avoid forced handling in the settling-in period and give plenty of cover. Do not house males together.
All Pythonidae have been listed on CITES Appendix II since 4 February 1977, and being Appendix II the species needs no Japanese registration certificate. Only five pythons appear on the schedule of designated dangerous animals under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, and this is not one of them. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern. Leiopython has been progressively split, and this species is separated from the southern white-lipped forms such as Leiopython fredparkeri by the number of pairs of parietal scales.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of White-Lipped Python is 18-25 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
White-Lipped Python typically reaches Adult females average about 213cm, with a maximum of 3m as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
White-Lipped Python feeds on: Carnivorous: small to medium-sized mammals, birds and reptiles. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of White-Lipped Python varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026