Python anchietae
| Python anchietae | |
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| Species: | P. anchietae
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| Python anchietae | |
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- Common names: Angolan python, Anchieta's dwarf python.[2]
Python anchietae is a non-venomous python species found in Angola and Namibia. A rare species closely related to the royal python, P. regius. No subspecies are currently recognized.[3]
Description
Adults may grow up to 180 cm (6 feet) in length. The color pattern consists of a reddish-brown to brown to almost black ground color overlaid with irregular white or cream colored bands and spots. The belly is yellowish. A rare species seldom seen in the wild or in captivity.[2]
Geographic range
Found in Africa in southern Angola and northern Namibia. The type locality given is "Catumbella [Catumbela]" near Lobito, Angola.[1]
Habitat
Rocky outcrops or areas strewn with rocks in open brush or grassland.[2]
Behavior
Diurnal, they shelter in small caves, overhangs and crevices.[2]
Feeding
The diet consists of small mammals and birds.[2]
Reproduction
Oviparous, small clutches of 4-5 eggs are produced at a time. It is not known whether the females "incubate" their eggs as is typical for the members of this family. Hatchlings are 43-46 cm (17-18 inches) in length.[2]
Taxonomy
According to Broadley (1990), this species is most closely related to the royal python, P. regius, of west Africa.[2]
See also
- List of pythonid species and subspecies.
- Pythonidae by common name.
- Pythonidae by taxonomic synonyms.
References
- ^ a b 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).
- ^ a b c d e f g Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ "Python anchietae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 21 September.
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External links
- Python anchietae at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 21 September 2007.