What is the scientific name of the Papuan Olive Python?

The scientific name of the Papuan Olive Python is Apodora papuana.

What are other common names for the Papuan Olive Python?

The Papuan Olive Python is also known as Papuan python and Irian python.

Where are Papuan Olive Pythons native to?

Papuan Olive Pythons are native to New Guinea and From Misool to Fergusson island.

How big do Papuan Olive Pythons get?

Adult Papuan Olive Pythons typically reach about 10-13 ft.

How long do Papuan Olive Pythons live?

Papuan Olive Pythons live about 20-30 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Papuan Olive Python need?

Recommended temperatures for a Papuan Olive Python: 70-75°F cool side, 75-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Papuan Olive Python need?

Papuan Olive Pythons need 60-80% humidity.

Do Papuan Olive Pythons need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Papuan Olive Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Papuan Olive Python need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Papuan Olive Python: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” ( 6ft/Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum); >8ft/Adult: 96”x24”x24” (minimum); >10ft/Adult: 120”x48”x48” (minimum); >12ft/Adult: 144”x48”x48” (minimum); >14ft/Adult: 168”x72”x72” (minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Papuan Olive Pythons eat?

Papuan Olive Pythons eat: Carnivorous; Rodents; Quail; Chicks; Rabbits.

Are Papuan Olive Pythons good for beginners?

Papuan Olive Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate/Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Papuan Olive Pythons nocturnal or diurnal?

Papuan Olive Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Papuan Olive Python behavior like?

Common Papuan Olive Python behavior traits: Semi arboreal python; Prehensile tails; Sleep on ground-under logs/hides; Ambush hunters; Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Solitary besides breeding season (can be cannibalistic).

Do Papuan Olive Pythons lay eggs?

Yes. Papuan Olive Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Papuan Olive Python lay?

A Papuan Olive Python clutch is typically about 10-20 eggs.

How long do Papuan Olive Python eggs take to hatch?

Papuan Olive Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-90 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Papuan Olive Pythons?

Recommended substrates for adult Papuan Olive Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Papuan Olive Python?

Recommended enclosures for Papuan Olive Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Papuan Olive Python?

Recommended lighting products for Papuan Olive Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Papuan Olive Python need?

Recommended heating products for Papuan Olive Pythons by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Papuan Olive Pythons?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Papuan Olive Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Papuan Olive Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Papuan Olive Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Papuan Olive Python

Common Name(s)	Papuan olive python Papuan python Irian python
Scientific Name	Apodora papuana
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during day night) Semi arboreal python Prehensile tails Sleep on ground-under logs/hides Ambush hunters Generally docile Warm up easily with consistent handling Solitary besides breeding season (can be cannibalistic)
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~10-20 eggs Incubation: ~60-90 days
Lifespan	~20-30 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 75-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	60-80%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~10-13 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) <6ft/Sub Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum) >6ft/Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum) >8ft/Adult: 96”x24”x24” (minimum) >10ft/Adult: 120”x48”x48” (minimum) >12ft/Adult: 144”x48”x48” (minimum) >14ft/Adult: 168”x72”x72” (minimum) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate/Advanced If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous Rodents Quail Chicks Rabbits

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Subadult Papuan Olive Pythons

Subadult Papuan Olive Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Papuan Olive Pythons

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Papuan Olive Pythons

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 180 Gallon 48x24x36 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Papuan Olive Pythons

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Papuan Olive Pythons

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Papuan Olive Pythons

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Papuan Olive Pythons

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x24, 45 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Papuan Olive Pythons

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Papuan Olive Pythons

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Papuan Olive Python (Apodora papuana) is one of the largest snake species native to New Guinea, often reaching impressive lengths of 13 to 16 feet, with some individuals growing even longer. Despite their size, these pythons are relatively slender compared to other large constrictors, and they exhibit remarkable strength and agility. One of the most fascinating features of the Papuan Olive Python is its color-changing ability. Unlike most snakes, which have a fixed coloration, this python can subtly alter its skin tone from a darker olive-brown or greenish hue to a lighter, almost yellowish color. This adaptive color change is thought to be related to thermoregulation or camouflage, helping the snake blend into its environment or absorb more heat from the sun.

Another interesting fact about the Papuan Olive Python is its diverse diet and hunting strategy. As a highly opportunistic predator, this python preys on a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. In certain regions, they have been observed hunting large prey, such as wallabies, showcasing their formidable hunting capabilities. Papuan Olive Pythons are primarily nocturnal hunters, relying on both their strong sense of smell and heat-sensing pits to detect and capture prey in the dark. While they are highly adaptable and capable swimmers, they are usually found in forested areas, savannas, and near water sources. Despite their size and strength, Papuan Olive Pythons are known for their generally calm and curious temperament, making them a unique and fascinating species in both the wild and captivity.

Native Range

New Guinea

From Misool to Fergusson island

Why ReptiChip?

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect papuan olive pythons bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate papuan olive pythons bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Papuan Olive Python ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Papuan Olive Python is Apodora papuana.
: The Papuan Olive Python is also known as Papuan python and Irian python.
: Papuan Olive Pythons are native to New Guinea and From Misool to Fergusson island.
: Adult Papuan Olive Pythons typically reach about 10-13 ft.
: Papuan Olive Pythons live about 20-30 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Papuan Olive Python: 70-75°F cool side, 75-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: Papuan Olive Pythons need 60-80% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Papuan Olive Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Papuan Olive Python: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); <6ft/Sub Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum); >6ft/Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum); >8ft/Adult: 96”x24”x24” (minimum); >10ft/Adult: 120”x48”x48” (minimum); >12ft/Adult: 144”x48”x48” (minimum); >14ft/Adult: 168”x72”x72” (minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Papuan Olive Pythons eat: Carnivorous; Rodents; Quail; Chicks; Rabbits.
: Papuan Olive Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate/Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Papuan Olive Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Papuan Olive Python behavior traits: Semi arboreal python; Prehensile tails; Sleep on ground-under logs/hides; Ambush hunters; Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Solitary besides breeding season (can be cannibalistic).
: Yes. Papuan Olive Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Papuan Olive Python clutch is typically about 10-20 eggs.
: Papuan Olive Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-90 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Papuan Olive Pythons: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Papuan Olive Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Papuan Olive Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Papuan Olive Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Papuan Olive Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Papuan Olive Pythons by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Papuan Olive Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Papuan Olive Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Papuan Olive Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.