©Scott van Barneveld: Liasis fuscus
Colours
Distinguishing features
The color pattern consists of a uniform, iridescent dark blackish brown dorsal color. The belly is a dull to bright yellow that includes the first few rows of dorsal scales. The throat is cream colored, while the upper labials are light gray-brown with dark brown or black spots. Robustly built, it has a long head that is slightly distinct from the neck.
The anterior supralabials have thermosensitive pits. Scalation includes a pair of undivided parietal scales and a single loreal scale on either side of the head. On the body, the dorsal scales number 45-55 at midbody, the ventral scales 270-300, the anal scale is single and there are 60-90 paired subcaudal scales. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 300 cm (Length of specimen)
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is found in Australia in the Kimberley district of northern Western Australia from around Broome east through Northern Territory at least as far south as Mataranka to the coast of central Queensland to near MacKay. Also found in the Sir Charles Hardy Islands, on Cornwallis Island in the Torres Strait, and in Papua New Guinea, Western District, in the lower Fly River region at least as far inland as Lake Daviumbo. The type locality given is "Port Bowen" (Port Clinton, Queensland, Australia).
The highest population density is reached on the Adelaide River floodplains in the Northern Territory.
Chronotypes
Behaviour
Despite its common name, many individuals are found far from water for most of the year. It is usually nocturnal, seeking shelter during the day in such things as hollow logs, riverbanks and in vegetation. The temperament for wild specimens is fairly docile and most will not attempt to bite. When surprised, most will attempt to flee into any available water. (Wikipedia)
