Sumatran short-tailed python

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Not to be confused with
Python breitensteini
.

Sumatran short-tailed python

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Python
Species:
P. curtus
Binomial name
Python curtus
Schlegel, 1872
Synonyms

Aspidoboa curta Sauvage, 1884

The Sumatran short-tailed python (Python curtus) is a species of the family Pythonidae, a nonvenomous snake native to Sumatra.[1]

Taxonomy

A Sumatran short-tailed python

Python curtus was the

type locality is Sumatra.[3]

Description

The arrangement of labial scales identify this illustration as Python brongersmai

The Sumatran short-tailed python has narrow subocular

P. breitensteini can be distinguished by the frontal and parietal scales on the tops of their heads. In both P. brongersmai
and P. breitensteini, the parietal scales join. Adults grow to 1.5–1.8 m (4.9–5.9 ft) in length and are heavily built. The tail is extremely short relative to the overall length. The color pattern consists of a beige, tan, or grayish-brown ground color overlaid with blotches that are brick- to blood-red in color.[4]

Distribution and habitat

The Sumatran short-tailed python occurs in

Mentawai Islands and Kalimantan.[1]
It inhabits rainforests, marshes, swamps, and the vicinity of river banks and streams.[4]

Diet

They feed on a variety of mammals and birds.[4]

Reproduction

Oviparous, females seldom lay more than a dozen large eggs (however, much larger clutches have been reported). The female remains coiled around the eggs during the incubation period, and may shiver to produce heat. However, this action requires energy and the female will only do so if surrounding temperatures drop below 90 °F. The hatchlings emerge after 2.5 to 3.0 months and are about 30 cm (12 in) in length.[4]

Uses

The species is kept as an exotic pet. They are often regarded as unpredictable and aggressive, but captive-bred individuals tend to be more docile than wild-caught specimens.

The Sumatran short-tailed python has been extensively harvested for leather; an estimated 100,000 individuals are taken for this purpose each year. The commercial trade regards the various populations of P. curtus and P. brongersmai as a single species. Authors who elevate particular island populations to species status note that the skins are readily distinguished.[5]

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T192244A2060581.en
    . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Schlegel, H. (1872). "De Pythons". In Witkamp, P. H. (ed.). De Diergaarde van het Koninklijk Zoölogisch Genootschap Natura Artis Magistra te Amsterdam: De Kruipende Dieren. Amsterdam: Van Es. pp. 53–54.
  3. ISBN 1-893777-01-4
    (volume).
  4. ^
    ISBN 0-8069-6460-X
    .
  5. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8312.2001.tb01350.x
    .

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Python curtus.
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