What is the scientific name of the Southern White-lipped Python?

The scientific name of the Southern White-lipped Python is Leiopython meridionalis.

What are other common names for the Southern White-lipped Python?

The Southern White-lipped Python is also known as Southern white-lipped tree python, Karimui Basin white-lip python, Karimui Basin white-lipped python, and Southern white-lip.

Where are Southern White-lipped Pythons native to?

Southern White-lipped Pythons are native to New Guinea, Northeastern Australia, and Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.

How big do Southern White-lipped Pythons get?

Adult Southern White-lipped Pythons typically reach about 6-8 ft.

How long do Southern White-lipped Pythons live?

Southern White-lipped Pythons live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Southern White-lipped Python need?

Recommended temperatures for a Southern White-lipped Python: 70-80°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Southern White-lipped Python need?

Southern White-lipped Pythons need 60-70% humidity.

Do Southern White-lipped Pythons need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Southern White-lipped Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Southern White-lipped Python need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Southern White-lipped Python: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” ( 6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum), 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum), 96”x48”x48” (<8ft 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 Southern White-lipped Pythons eat?

Southern White-lipped Pythons eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Chicks, Quail.

Are Southern White-lipped Pythons good for beginners?

Southern White-lipped Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Southern White-lipped Pythons nocturnal or diurnal?

Southern White-lipped Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Southern White-lipped Python behavior like?

Common Southern White-lipped Python behavior traits: Semi arboreal python; Sleep on ground-under logs/hides; Can be territorial in their cage; Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Iridescent scales; Solitary besides breeding season; Adept burrowers.

Do Southern White-lipped Pythons lay eggs?

Yes. Southern White-lipped Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Southern White-lipped Python lay?

A Southern White-lipped Python clutch is typically about 9-12 eggs.

How long do Southern White-lipped Python eggs take to hatch?

Southern White-lipped Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Southern White-lipped Pythons?

Recommended substrates for adult Southern White-lipped Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Southern White-lipped Python?

Recommended enclosures for Southern White-lipped 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 Southern White-lipped Python?

Recommended lighting products for Southern White-lipped Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Southern White-lipped Python need?

Recommended heating products for Southern White-lipped 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 Southern White-lipped Pythons?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Southern White-lipped Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Southern White Lipped Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Southern White Lipped Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Southern White Lipped Python

Common Name(s)	Southern white-lipped python Southern white-lipped tree python Karimui Basin white-lip python Karimui Basin white-lipped python Southern white-lip
Scientific Name	Leiopython meridionalis
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during day night) Semi arboreal python Sleep on ground-under logs/hides Can be territorial in their cage Generally docile Warm up easily with consistent handling Iridescent scales Solitary besides breeding season Adept burrowers
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~9-12 eggs Incubation: ~60-80 days
Lifespan	~15-20+ years
Temperatures	70-80°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 85-90°F basking spot
Humidity	60-70%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~6-8 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months) 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum) 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum) 96”x48”x48” (<8ft 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 If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18.
Diet	Carnivorous: Whole Prey Rodents Chicks Quail

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Subadult Southern White-lipped Pythons

Subadult Southern White Lipped Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Southern White-lipped Pythons

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

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

Best Enclosures for Subadult Southern White-lipped Pythons

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

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Southern White-lipped Pythons

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Southern White-lipped Pythons

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Southern White-lipped 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 Southern White-lipped Pythons

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

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Southern White-lipped Pythons

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Southern White-lipped Pythons

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

Southern White-Lipped Pythons (Leiopython meridionalis) are a striking species native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea and parts of Australia, particularly in the regions of Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. One of the most notable features of this python is its vibrant coloration, which typically includes a dark base with bright yellow or cream-colored lateral markings and a distinctive white lip, giving the species its common name. These pythons can reach lengths of up to 8 feet (approximately 2.4 meters), although individuals may vary in size. Their beautiful pattern not only makes them visually stunning but also serves as effective camouflage among the foliage of their forest habitat, helping them evade predators while hunting or resting. This species is semi-arboreal, often found in trees, where it utilizes its climbing skills to navigate through branches in search of prey.

In terms of behavior, Southern White-Lipped Pythons are primarily nocturnal hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their hunting strategy often involves waiting quietly for unsuspecting prey to pass by, relying on their keen vision and heat-sensing capabilities to detect movement in low-light conditions. Like other pythons, they are non-venomous and employ constriction to subdue their catch. Southern White-Lipped Pythons are also known for their relatively docile temperament, which makes them popular among reptile enthusiasts. In captivity, they adapt well to various environments, but they require humidity and temperature levels that mimic their natural rainforest habitat to thrive. This combination of stunning appearance, unique behavior, and manageable size contributes to their growing popularity in the exotic pet trade, while also highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect their natural habitats from deforestation and human encroachment.

Native Range

New Guinea

Northeastern Australia

Queensland and northeastern New South Wales

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by southern white-lipped python lovers, for southern white-lipped python lovers. It’s what the pros use, and it’s what you can use, too.

Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect southern white-lipped python bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate southern white-lipped python bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Southern White-lipped Python ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Southern White-lipped Python is Leiopython meridionalis.
: The Southern White-lipped Python is also known as Southern white-lipped tree python, Karimui Basin white-lip python, Karimui Basin white-lipped python, and Southern white-lip.
: Southern White-lipped Pythons are native to New Guinea, Northeastern Australia, and Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
: Adult Southern White-lipped Pythons typically reach about 6-8 ft.
: Southern White-lipped Pythons live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Southern White-lipped Python: 70-80°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Southern White-lipped Pythons need 60-70% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Southern White-lipped Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Southern White-lipped Python: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months), 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum), 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum), 96”x48”x48” (<8ft minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Southern White-lipped Pythons eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Chicks, Quail.
: Southern White-lipped Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Southern White-lipped Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Southern White-lipped Python behavior traits: Semi arboreal python; Sleep on ground-under logs/hides; Can be territorial in their cage; Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Iridescent scales; Solitary besides breeding season; Adept burrowers.
: Yes. Southern White-lipped Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Southern White-lipped Python clutch is typically about 9-12 eggs.
: Southern White-lipped Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Southern White-lipped Pythons: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Southern White-lipped Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Southern White-lipped Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Southern White-lipped Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Southern White-lipped Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Southern White-lipped 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 Southern White-lipped Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Southern White Lipped Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Southern White Lipped Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.