Timor python
Species of snake
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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).
| Timor python | |
|---|---|
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| Malayopython 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 (W. Peters, 1876) | |
| Synonyms | |
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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
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
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
Feeding
Captive specimens of M. timoriensis have been known to accept birds and small mammals.[4]
Reproduction
Taxonomy
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]
