Pythonidae
Anchieta's Dwarf Python
HarmlessPython anchietae
The Anchieta's Dwarf Python (Python anchietae) is a non-venomous snake in the Pythonidae family, recorded in 5 countries.
- Family
- Pythonidae
About the Anchieta's Dwarf Python
Python anchietae (with common names Angolan python and Anchieta's dwarf python) 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, and no subspecies are currently recognized. It is named after the Portuguese naturalist and explorer José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta. Like all other pythons, it is not venomous.
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. 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.
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. Habitats are rocky outcrops or areas strewn with rocks in open brush or grassland. Diurnal, they shelter in small caves, overhangs and crevices.
Behaviour and biology
Python anchietae exhibits hisses, which are mostly bluff. Its diet consists of small mammals and birds. 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.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Anchieta's Dwarf Python
- Is the Anchieta's Dwarf Python venomous?
- No. The Anchieta's Dwarf Python (Python anchietae) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Anchieta's Dwarf Python poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Anchieta's Dwarf Python is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Anchieta's Dwarf Python dangerous?
- The Anchieta's Dwarf Python is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Anchieta's Dwarf Python live?
- The Anchieta's Dwarf Python has verified records in 5 countries, including Namibia, Angola, Australia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Pythonidae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Pythonidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Python
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Python anchietae
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Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.