| Python anchietae | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Python |
| Species: | P. anchietae |
| Binomial name | |
| Python anchietae Bocage, 1887 | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Python anchietae (with common namesAngolan python andAnchieta's dwarf python)[3] is apythonspeciesendemic tosouthern Africa. According toDonald George Broadley (1990), this species is most closely related to theball python (P. regius) of western Africa,[3] and nosubspecies are currently recognized.[4] It is named after the Portuguese naturalist and explorerJosé Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta.[5] Like all other pythons, it is not venomous.
Python anchietae may grow up to 183 cm (6 ft) in total length (including tail). The color pattern is a reddish-brown to brown to almost black ground, overlaid with irregular white or cream-colored bands and spots. The belly is yellowish. A rarespecies seldom seen in the wild or in captivity, it is the only python to have "bead-like" head scales.[3] It has heat sensitive pits, five on each side of the head, on the upper lip. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 57-61 rows.[6]
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Python anchietae is found inAfrica in southernAngola and northernNamibia. Thetype locality given is "Catumbella [Catumbela]" near Lobito, Angola.[2][4] Habitats are rocky outcrops or areas strewn with rocks in open brush or grassland.[3] Diurnal, they shelter in small caves, overhangs and crevices.
Python anchietae exhibits similar temperament to its closest cousin, theball python. It hisses, but this is mostly bluff.[3] Diet consists of small mammals and birds.[3]P. anchietae isoviparous, with small clutches of four to five eggs being 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.[3]
Python anchietae is rare in captivity due to the long civil war in Angola. Although the war is over, the fields and forests are covered with land mines, and few dare to risk catching them.
The specimens that have made it into captivity are highly sought after. They are often compared to their close relative, the ball python in terms of temperament and some of their care requirements.[7]
