White-lipped python – d'Albertis (Bothrochilus albertisii)

Short answers

White-lipped python – d'Albertis: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 215×110×165 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, white-lipped pythons); but with sturdy climbing branches, plenty of hides and a large water pool; more floor area is always better.

White-lipped python – d'Albertis: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–30 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C (spot lamp with a guard, used only briefly), at night 22–24 °C.

White-lipped python – d'Albertis: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal); low-dose UVB optional.

White-lipped python – d'Albertis: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–25 years.

White-lipped python – d'Albertis: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–30 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

32–35 °C (spot lamp with a guard, used only briefly)

Humidity

75–85 %

UVB

UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal); low-dose UVB optional

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 215×110×165 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, white-lipped pythons); but with sturdy climbing branches, plenty of hides and a large water pool; more floor area is always better

Substrate

Moisture-retaining: terrarium humus or forest floor with leaf litter and moss, slightly damp; roots, climbing branches, a large water basin

Feeding

Food

Frozen food – mice or rats of a suitable size

Feeding interval

adults every 1–2 weeks, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size

150–215 cm (northern/golden form usually ~1.8 m, females averaging a good 2 m)

Life expectancy

20–25 years

Origin

New Guinea (Indonesia / Papua New Guinea) and the surrounding islands

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; proof of origin required, and registration where applicable

Brumation

No real winter rest; a short rest period (1–3 months, with the temperature and lighting slightly lowered) to prepare for breeding is possible

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – territorial and defensive or bitey; only for supervised breeding

Notes

The northern white-lipped python (Leiopython albertisii, currently often Bothrochilus albertisii). Known for a lively, nervous temperament, and it may snap at its keeper – manageable with patience. Important: high humidity together with good ventilation (waterlogging → respiratory and skin problems). A greedy feeder – take care when feeding.

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Related species

• White-lipped python – Biak (Bothrochilus biakensis) – Intermediate
• White-lipped python – northern (Bothrochilus boa) – Intermediate
• White-lipped python – southern (Bothrochilus hoserae) – Intermediate
• Red blood python (Python brongersmai) – Intermediate
• Sumatran short-tailed python (Python curtus) – Intermediate
• Borneo short-tailed python (Python breitensteini) – Intermediate
• Common egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) – Intermediate
• Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep White-lipped python – d'Albertis (Bothrochilus albertisii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 215×110×165 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, white-lipped pythons); but with sturdy climbing branches, plenty of hides and a large water pool; more floor area is always better), substrate (Moisture-retaining: terrarium humus or forest floor with leaf litter and moss, slightly damp; roots, climbing branches, a large water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.