Timor python
| Timor python | |
|---|---|
| File:Python timoriensis Tropicario 1.JPG | |
| Malayopython timoriensis in a zoo | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Malayopython |
| Species: | M. timoriensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Malayopython timoriensis (W. Peters, 1876)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis) is a python species found in Southeast Asia. It is a dwarf species, and no subspecies are recognized as being valid.[3] It is in the genus Malayopython, together with the reticulated python (M. reticulatus).
Like all pythons, the Timor python is a nonvenomous constrictor. Unlike larger species such as the reticulated python, it is not considered dangerous to humans.
Description
[edit | edit source]The Timor python is a fairly long, over 7 ft (2.1 m), but relatively thin python. It has a series of heat-sensing pits between its nostrils and mouth used to find warm-blooded prey in total darkness. It is cold-blooded.[4]
Geographic range
[edit | edit source]M. timoriensis is found in Southeast Asia on the Lesser Sunda Islands (Flores, Lombien and Timor islands), its type locality is given as "Kupang, (Timor)" [Indonesia].[1] This may not accurately reflect the location where the specimen was collected.[5]
Behavior
[edit | edit source]M. timoriensis is partly arboreal.[6]
Feeding
[edit | edit source]Captive specimens of M. timoriensis have been known to accept birds and small mammals.[4]
Reproduction
[edit | edit source]M. timoriensis is oviparous.[6]
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis was the scientific name proposed by Wilhelm Peters in 1876.[7]
Authors of a phylogenetic study suggested that the Timor python together with the reticulated python should be moved to a distinct genus Broghammerus.[2] Subsequent phylogenetic analyses have supported the separation of the Timor and reticulated pythons from genus Python. However, Broghammerus is considered an invalid name by most authorities, which made R. Graham Reynolds et al. formally rename this clade Malayopython in 2014, a decision that was followed by many authors.[8][9][10][11]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value). (series). Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value). (volume).
- ^ a b Rawlings LH, Rabosky DL, Donnellan SC, Hutchinson MN (2008). "Python phylogenetics: inference from morphology and mitochondrial DNA". Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 93: 603-619.
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Mehrtens JM (1987). Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)..
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b "Malayopython timoriensis ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Peters W (1876). "Über die von S. M. S. Gazelle mitgebrachten Amphibien ". Monatsberichte der Königlich Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1876: 528–535 + Plate. (Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis, new variety, p. 533 + Plate, figures 3, 3a, 3b, 3c). (in German).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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Further reading
[edit | edit source]- Boulenger GA (1893). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I. Containing the Families ... Boidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. ("Python timorensis [sic]", p. 85).
External links
[edit | edit source]
- Malayopython timoriensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 06 January 2021.
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