Python timoriensis

Timor Python ( Broghammerus timoriensis )

The Timor- Python ( Broghammerus timoriensis ) is a species of snake in the family of pythons.

Features

Due to the small amount of data are currently no reliable information on the average and maximum length of the species. Supposedly isolated individuals already have reached a total length of the three meters. The elongated oval head is clearly separated from the neck and has clear heat sensory pores on the upper lip shields. The body is slender and yellow to reddish brown with dark spots, on top of the head runs a fine median line. The spots merge to form a net-like drawing that is towards the tail indistinct or completely faded. The belly is uniform yellowish.

The frontal shield and the Supraokularschild are conspicuously large. The first four of the 12 Supralabialschilde carry heat sensory pores, as well as five of the 17 Infralabialschilde and the snout plate. The hull has 60 rows of smooth scales in the mid-fuselage, 228 Ventralschilde and 22 Subkaudalschilde, the last of which nine are undivided, and an undivided anal shield.

Dissemination and lifestyle

The Timor- Python inhabits the small Sunda Islands, the islands of Flores, Lomblen, Solor, pantar, Adonara and possibly Lombok. An occurrence in Timor seems highly unlikely despite its name, because it was possible for the Timor over the last decades extensively operated leather and live animal trade to not catch a single one of these lucrative pythons. It is believed that the individual for the first description was thus exported only about Timor and originally came from another island. The Timor- Python inhabits open forests and grasslands where it feeds on small mammals and birds. The species is nocturnal.

System

Previously the Timor python was placed under the scientific name Python timoriensis in the genre of authentics pythons (Python). The monophyly of the genus Python has long been controversial. Among other things, Walls pointed out that at least the reticulated python in a number of morphological features of the pythons of the genus Morelia stands much closer than the other species of the genus Python. A recent molecular genetic analysis has confirmed the paraphyly of the genus Python. Accordingly, the next of kin of Timor- Python is the reticulated python. These two species form the sister taxon of all pythons of Australia and Papua New Guinea, are these words more closely related than with the other species of the genus Python. Based on these results the Timor python and reticulated python was transferred to the already proposed by Hoser, new genus Broghammerus. The Timor- Python now bears the scientific name Broghammerus timoriensis.

In Timor- Python no further sub- types can be distinguished.

Sources / literature

• Trutnau, L. (1979/2002) Non-toxic snakes, Part 1, Eugen Ulmer GmbH & Co. ISBN 3-8001-3223-0