Post by Reticulatus on Feb 29, 2012 14:24:58 GMT -5
Olive Python-Liasis olivaceus
Liasis olivaceus, the olive python,[2] is a nonvenomous python species found in Australia. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.[3]
Description
With adults reaching over 4 m in length, this is Australia's second-largest snake species. Its high midbody dorsal scale count, 61-72, makes the skin look smoother than that of other pythons. The number of ventral scales is 355-377.[2] The color pattern is a uniform chocolate brown to olive green, while the belly is usually cream colored.[4]
Unfortunately, this species is occasionally confused with the venomous king brown snake, Pseudechis australis, and killed as a consequence.[2]
Geographic range
This snake is found in Australia in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. The type locality given is "North Australia; Port Essington" (Northern Territory, Australia).[1]
Habitat
It occurs in rocky areas, gorges and especially rocky areas near sources of water. Typically, shelter is sought in caves and rock crevices, but individuals have also been found in hollow logs and in burrows under rocks.[2]
Feeding
The diet consists of birds, mammals and other reptiles,[2] including rock-wallabies, fruit bats, ducks and spinifex pigeons. They prefer to lie in wait next to animal trails to ambush their prey. Alternatively, they are strong swimmers and also hunt in waterholes, striking at prey from under the water.[4] They have also been known to prey on monitor lizards.
Reproduction
Mating activity starts in May and continue through until mid-July. When successful, this is followed by a gestation period of 81–85 days, after which the oviparous females lay 12-40 eggs in late spring.[4] The average clutch size is around 19 eggs.[2] The hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of about 50 days, each measuring about 35 cm in length.[4]
References
1.^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
2.^ a b c d e f g Olive python, Liasis olivaceus at Pilbara Pythons. Accessed 4 August 2008.
3.^ a b c "Liasis olivaceus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=634774. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
4.^ a b c d Olive Python at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Accessed 4 August 2008.[dead link]
5.^ Captive maintenance and breeding of olive python at Victorian Herpetological Society. Accessed 4 August 2008.
Liasis olivaceus, the olive python,[2] is a nonvenomous python species found in Australia. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.[3]
Description
With adults reaching over 4 m in length, this is Australia's second-largest snake species. Its high midbody dorsal scale count, 61-72, makes the skin look smoother than that of other pythons. The number of ventral scales is 355-377.[2] The color pattern is a uniform chocolate brown to olive green, while the belly is usually cream colored.[4]
Unfortunately, this species is occasionally confused with the venomous king brown snake, Pseudechis australis, and killed as a consequence.[2]
Geographic range
This snake is found in Australia in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. The type locality given is "North Australia; Port Essington" (Northern Territory, Australia).[1]
Habitat
It occurs in rocky areas, gorges and especially rocky areas near sources of water. Typically, shelter is sought in caves and rock crevices, but individuals have also been found in hollow logs and in burrows under rocks.[2]
Feeding
The diet consists of birds, mammals and other reptiles,[2] including rock-wallabies, fruit bats, ducks and spinifex pigeons. They prefer to lie in wait next to animal trails to ambush their prey. Alternatively, they are strong swimmers and also hunt in waterholes, striking at prey from under the water.[4] They have also been known to prey on monitor lizards.
Reproduction
Mating activity starts in May and continue through until mid-July. When successful, this is followed by a gestation period of 81–85 days, after which the oviparous females lay 12-40 eggs in late spring.[4] The average clutch size is around 19 eggs.[2] The hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of about 50 days, each measuring about 35 cm in length.[4]
References
1.^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
2.^ a b c d e f g Olive python, Liasis olivaceus at Pilbara Pythons. Accessed 4 August 2008.
3.^ a b c "Liasis olivaceus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=634774. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
4.^ a b c d Olive Python at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Accessed 4 August 2008.[dead link]
5.^ Captive maintenance and breeding of olive python at Victorian Herpetological Society. Accessed 4 August 2008.