Python anchietae

Python anchietae (with common names Angolan python and Anchieta's dwarf python)^[3] is a python species endemic to southern Africa. According to Donald George Broadley (1990), this species is most closely related to the ball python (P. regius) of western Africa,^[3] and no subspecies are currently recognized.^[4] It is named after the Portuguese naturalist and explorer José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta.^[5] Like all other pythons, it is not venomous.

Python anchietae
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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
Approximate distribution
Synonyms[2]
Python Anchietae Bocage, 1887 Python anchietæ — Boulenger, 1893

Description

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 rare species 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]

Distribution and habitat

Python anchietae is found in Africa in southern Angola and northern Namibia. The type 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.

Behaviour and biology

Hatching twins

Python anchietae exhibits hisses, which are mostly bluff.^[3] Its diet consists of small mammals and birds.^[3] It is oviparous, with small clutches of four to five eggs being produced at a time. Hatchlings are 43–46 cm (17–18 in)long.^[3]