Olive Python | Liasis Olivaceus | Information And Beginners Care Sheet
This Olive Python or Liasis Olivaceus is one of the biggest snakes around the Australian continent. In fact, this is the second largest species of snakes in Australia. This specie is classified under the non-venomous snakes, and is mostly found in the areas of Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queesland. The Olive Python’s length can reach 4 meters. In extreme cases, they can even grow longer to 6 meters. The color is fairly uniform, which may vary from olive, greenish brown or reddish brown. They usually have a white color in the ventral region that expands to the supralabial scales. The number of scales in the middle area of ??the body is between 60 and 70. This makes the skin appear smoother than in other species.
The Olive Python is sometimes mistaken as the King Brown Snake or Pseudechis Australis. As a consequence, they are killed of being thought as the venomous Pseudechis Australis. These species prefer to thrive in rocky areas near water, mountain ranges, hills and monsoon forests. They are also found hiding in hollow logs and caves.
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Liasis
Scientific Name: Liasis Olivaceus
The Liasis Olivaceus generally has nocturnal habits. The Olive Pythons are good eaters. They feed on warm-blooded animals, especially small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, birds, ducks, fruit bats, monitor lizards and reptiles. Olive Pythons are also known to feed on wallabies. After they bite their prey, they trap and choke their victims by constriction before swallowing whole. These species have strong acids in their stomach to easily digest the bones. Known for being good swimmers, the Olive Pythons are also known for striking their victim under the water.
Mating takes place between May and July. The hatching will take place 81–85 days, or nearly three months. The eggs are spherical and almost completely white. The female Olive Python is larger and more robust. The incubation period lasts about 50 days. Females can lay 15 to 20 eggs. Juveniles are born with an approximate length of 35 cm.
The snakes born in captivity are generally docile and calm against manipulation. Some babies may show aggressive behavior, but can easily be corrected with proper handling. Since this is a large animal, the recommended measurement for a terrarium is 250×150x150 cm (LxWxH). The more space to give the animal, the better. A bigger space is desirable for the animal to reproduce its natural habitat. Although the Olive Python is not a very aquatic animal, it would be advisable to provide it with a bowl of water where it can swim. This can help the snake exercise. An Olive Python will eat anything that is offered to them. However, owners must be mindful of what they feed these snakes, in order to prevent obesity. For any scent that resembles food, they fiercely strike at any time. The Liasis Olivaceus are vigilant species. Once they sense a new environment, they carefully examine the place. The Olive Python can live up to 20 years with the right care.
