Southern White-lipped Python

About the Southern White-lipped Python

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Southern White-lipped Python

Is the Southern White-lipped Python venomous?

No. The Southern White-lipped Python (Leiopython fredparkeri) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.

Is the Southern White-lipped Python poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Southern White-lipped Python is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Southern White-lipped Python dangerous?

The Southern White-lipped Python is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Southern White-lipped Python live?

The Southern White-lipped Python has verified records in 3 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, United States of America. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Why is it called the Southern White-lipped Python?

The specific name, fredparkeri, is in honor of Australian naturalist Fred Parker (born 1941).

Where it is found

More Pythonidae snakes

• 
  Northern White-lipped Python
  Leiopython albertisii
• 
  Carpet Python
  Morelia spilota
• 
  Reticulated Python
  Malayopython reticulatus
• 
  Burmese Python
  Python bivittatus
• 
  Australian Scrub Python
  Simalia kinghorni
• 
  Southern African Python
  Python natalensis
• 
  Children's Python
  Antaresia childreni
• 
  Indian Python
  Python molurus

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards

Squamata

FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits

Pythonidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Leiopython

SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name

Leiopython fredparkeri

Keep learning

• What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
• Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
• What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
• How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.