D'Albertis' water python (northern white-lipped python)

Description:

This D'albertis' water python exhibited a beautiful iridescence like its cousin, the amethystine python (Morelia amethistina). Leiopython, formerly a monotypic genus, now comprises six species, found in various parts of New Guinea and satellite islands. L. albertisii occurs in the Raja Ampat, Bintuni Bay, Bird's Head and north coast regions of New Guinea. See this link for a more specific range description and observation records map http://leiopython.de/en/ecology.html

Habitat:

Captured in mixed coastal freshwater lowland/swamp forest / sago (Metroxylon sagu) forest.

Notes:

This lovely and surprisingly docile specimen was captured during a nocturnal herp survey. It was released back into the forest the next evening after it had been examined and photographed.