Python timoriensis
| Python timoriensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Python timoriensis in a zoo | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Python |
| Species: | P. timoriensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Python timoriensis (Peters, 1876) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
- Common names: Timor python.[3]
Python timoriensis is a python species found in South East Asia. A dwarf form, no subspecies are currently recognized.[4] Like all pythons, they are nonvenomous constrictors and not considered dangerous to humans.
Description
Timor pythons are a fairly long (7 + feet) but relatively thin python species from the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia. Ironically, there are no known records of Timor Pythons from the Island of Timor. This probably stems from the misidentification of a Macklot's Python (Liasis mackloti) that is similar in appearance and does occur on that island. This is a very fast-moving, highly defensive snake that spends a great deal of time in the trees hunting for prey. Like many python species, Timor pythons have a series of heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and mouth used to find warm-blooded prey in total darkness. They are egg-layers, but instead of laying the eggs and leaving, they remain coiled around the clutch for the entire incubation period. This maternal incubation serves two purposes: protection of the eggs is one, and temperature regulation is the other. Through a series of twitches and contractions many python species can raise the temperature of their bodies by as much as eight degrees F. Loosening the coils and exposing the eggs to more air circulation does the opposite. This is a fairly remarkable achievement given that snakes are "cold-blooded", meaning that their body temperature is dictated by their surroundings.[3]
Geographic range
Found in South East Asia on the Lesser Sunda Islands (Flores, Lombien and Timor islands). The type locality given is "Kupang, (Timor)" [Indonesia].[1]
Feeding
Captive specimens have been known to accept birds and small mammals.[3]
Taxonomy
Previously also considered a subspecies of the Indian python, P. molurus.[3] A phylogenetic study suggests that P. timoriensis and P. reticulatus should be moved to their own genus, Broghammerus.[2]
See also
- List of pythonid species and subspecies.
- Pythonidae by common name.
- Pythonidae by taxonomic synonyms.
References
- 1 2 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- 1 2 Rawlings LH, Rabosky DL, Donnellan SC, Hutchinson MN. 2008. Python phylogenetics: inference from morphology and mitchondrial DNA. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 93:603-619.
- 1 2 3 4 Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ↑ "Python timoriensis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Python timoriensis. |
- Python timoriensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 21 September 2007.