Pythonidae
Timor Python
HarmlessMalayopython timoriensis
3 photographs of the Timor Python. (c) Tylwyth Eldar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).
The Timor Python (Malayopython timoriensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Pythonidae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Pythonidae
About the Timor Python
The Timor python (Malayopython timoriensis) is a Malayopython species native to Southeast Asia. It is a dwarf species, and no subspecies are recognized as being valid. It is a nonvenomous constrictor and not considered dangerous to humans.
Taxonomy
Liasis amethystinus var. timoriensis was the scientific name proposed by Wilhelm Peters in 1876.
Authors of a phylogenetic study suggested that the Timor python together with the reticulated python should be moved to a distinct genus Broghammerus. 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, so that this clade was formally renamed to Malayopython in 2014, a decision that was followed by many authors.
Description
The Timor python is a fairly long, over 2.1 m (7 ft), 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.
Distribution
The Timor python is distributed on the Lesser Sunda Islands of Flores, Lomblen and Timor.
Behavior and ecology
The Timor python is partly arboreal.
Captive Timor pythons have been known to accept birds and small mammals.
The Timor python is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Timor Python
- Is the Timor Python venomous?
- No. The Timor Python (Malayopython timoriensis) 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 Timor Python poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Timor Python is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Timor Python dangerous?
- The Timor Python is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Timor Python live?
- The Timor Python has verified records in 3 countries, including Indonesia, Portugal, United States of America. 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
- Malayopython
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Malayopython timoriensis
Keep learning
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- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.