Timor python


The Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis) is a python species found in Southeast Asia. A dwarf form, no subspecies are currently recognized.[3] Like all pythons, they are nonvenomous constrictors; unlike larger species such as the reticulated python, they are not considered dangerous to humans.

Timor python
Python timoriensis in a zoo
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Malayopython
Species:
M. timoriensis
Binomial name
Malayopython timoriensis
(Peters, 1876)
Synonyms
  • Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis Peters, 1876
  • Liasis Petersii Hubrecht, 1879
  • Python timorensis - Boulenger, 1893
  • Python timoriensis - Werner, 1899
  • Python timoriensis - Stimson, 1969
  • Australiasis timoriensis - Wells & Wellington, 1984
  • Morelia timoriensis - Welch, 1988
  • P[ython]. timoriensis - Kluge, 1993[1]
  • Broghammerus timoriensis - Rawlings et al., 2008[2]

Description

The Timor python is a fairly long (over 7 ft), 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]

Distribution and habitat

Found in Southeast Asia on the Lesser Sunda Islands (Flores, Lombien and Timor islands), its type locality is given as "Kupang, (Timor)" [Indonesia].[1]

Feeding

Captive specimens have been known to accept birds and small mammals.[4]

Taxonomy

Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis was the scientific name proposed by Johann Gottlob Schneider in 1801.[5]

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 Reynolds et al. formally rename this clade Malayopython in 2014, a decision that was followed by many authors.[6][7][8][9]

References
  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. "Python timoriensis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
  4. Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
  5. Schneider, J. G. (1801). "Boa Reticulata". Historiae Amphibiorum naturalis et literariae Fasciculus Secundus continens Crocodilos, Scincos, Chamaesauras, Boas, Pseudoboas, Elapes, Angues, Amphisbaenas et Caecilias. Jenae: Wesselhoeft. pp. 264−266.
  6. Reynolds RG, Niemiller ML, Revell LJ (2014). "Toward a tree-of-life for the boas and pythons: multilocus species-level phylogeny with unprecedented taxon sampling". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 71: 201–213. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2013.11.011. PMID 24315866.
  7. Kaiser, H.; Crother, B. I.; Kelly, C. M. R.; Luiselli, L.; O'Shea, M.; Ota, H.; Passos, P.; Schleip, W.; Wüster, W. (2013). "Best Practices: In the 21st Century, Taxonomic Decisions in Herpetology are Acceptable Only When Supported by a Body of Evidence and Published via Peer-Review" (PDF). Herpetological Review. 44 (1): 8–23.
  8. Barker DG, Barker TM, David MA, Schuett GW (2015). "A review of the systematics and taxonomy of Pythonidae: an ancient serpent lineage" (PDF). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 175: 1–19. doi:10.1111/zoj.12267.
  9. Booth W, Schuett GW (2016). "The emerging phylogenetic pattern of parthenogenesis in snakes". Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 118 (2): 172–186. doi:10.1111/bij.12744.
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