Python - Boelen's

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Alternative Name

Boelens Python, Black Python Scientific Name: Liasis boeleni

Basic Info

Boelen's Pythons grow to be quite large, reaching a size from eight to twelve feet at maturity. They are of a dark black color. They are, however, highly iridescent. Boelen's Pythons have large heads that are wider than their neck. The heads have yellow stripes on their labial scales. The neck and anterior parts may have faint yellow strips as well. As the Boelen's Python grows older, the yellow patterning fades away.

Health

Most Boelen's Pythons are imported from the wild. They are extremely difficult to successfully acclimate to captivity. Their habitat should be at a temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking spot between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Boelen's Pythons especially enjoy basking in natural sunlight. The relative humidity of their space should be around 75%. Boelen's Pythons should be fed large rats, small rabbits or guinea pigs. Birds can be fed to the snake, but caution must be used, as birds often carry parasites and other bacteria. A large water bowl is also necessary. The Boelen's Python likes to rub its nose around, which may make it raw and infected. Breeding The Boelen's Python is extremely difficult to breed in captivity. Only a few rare cases of breeding have been reported. This fact is the main reason the Boelen's Python is so expensive. While mating is not a problem, it is difficult to get the female to produce eggs. Hatchling Boelen's Pythons are 16 to 20 inches in length. It takes roughly four to five years for them to reach maturity. Juvenile Boelen's Pythons should be fed appropriately sized mice. It has been reported that when males and females are kept together for breeding that they may attack and eat each other at this time.

Habitat

Boelen's Pythons are mostly found in rough rocky hillsides. They are occasionally found in trees.

Behavior

The Boelen's Python is considered the "Cadillac" of pythons. They are beautiful, exotic, fascinating, and quite rare. The Boelen's Python appears to be quite intelligent, and may be smarter than most other snakes. They have a shy temperament. They will occasionally snap to bite if they feel threatened, but they prefer to hide rather than attack. These snakes should be handled as little as possible. Boelen's Pythons do dwell in trees occasionally, but they prefer to spend their time on the ground, or in between rocks. They seem to be nocturnal, and shy away from bright light. The Boelen's Python should be kept in a large habitat with plenty of rocks and hiding places. A soft substrate with no ridged or sharp objects should be used, as the snake sometimes swallows the substrate while digging. Several branches for the Boelen's Pythons to climb on are good to have as well.

Origin

Indo-Pacific

History

Boelen's Pythons are a relatively new species in the pet trade because they were discovered only about 50 years ago. They can be found in New Guinea, at elevations of 5500 to 7000 feet.

Common Foods

N/A