Olive python
A species of Water pythons Scientific name : Liasis olivaceus Genus : Water pythons
Olive python, A species of Water pythons
Scientific name: Liasis olivaceus
Genus: Water pythons
Content
Description General Info
Description
Liasis olivaceus, commonly called the olive python, is a python species found in Australia. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Olive python is predominantly a carnivorous reptile, strategically hunting and primarily feeding on small mammals and birds. Exceptionally, it also consumes eggs and amphibians with larger specimens occasionally preying on other reptiles.
Appearance
Olive python is a large snake, boasting a robust, muscular body covered in smooth, gleaming scales. They display a phase of colouring, predominantly olive-green with hints of bronze and brown. Notably, their underbelly exhibits a cream hue. Younger individuals bear a more vivid pattern and a more vibrant colour that gradually dulls as they mature. They lack distinctive features such as horns or wings.
Behavior
Olive python is predominantly nocturnal, known for its solitary nature and ambush hunting technique. It shows terrestrial and semi-arboreal behaviors, using the trees for rest and ambush sites. This species demonstrates a unique defensive behavior, inflating its body while raising its distinctively patterned head, mimicking a much larger animal when threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Pythons Genus
Water pythons Species
Olive python