The bodies of specimens from north of the Central Dividing and on the Sorong peninsula range are gold, dark amber or brown with the back darker than the sides. The bodies of specimens from south of the Central Dividing Range are uniformly dark brown or blackish-brown. An isolated population occurs on Mussau Island in the St Matthias Group at the tip of the Bismarck Archipelago. This is one of the most beautifully iridescent snakes in the world. White-lipped pythons are typically snappy as youngsters, but then settle down to become trustworthy captives as they mature.
Captive specimens seem to benefit if provided with a box of damp moss in which to occasionally sit.
This species likes high humidity but is intolerant of poor ventilation or wet conditions. Inc. All Rights Reserved. VIDA Preciosa Publishing, LLC .