Borneo python facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Borneo python |
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Python
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| Species: |
breitensteini
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The Borneo python (Python breitensteini) is a type of non-venomous snake. It is also known as the Borneo short-tailed python. This snake belongs to the family called Pythonidae. It is found only on the island of Borneo.
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About the Borneo Python's Name
For some time, scientists thought the Borneo python was a subspecies of another snake, Python curtus. But in 2001, scientists J. Scott Keogh, David G. Barker, and Richard Shine decided it was its own full species.
The second part of its scientific name, breitensteini, honors Heinrich Breitenstein. He was a German physician and naturalist. He collected many amphibians and reptiles in Borneo.
What Does a Borneo Python Look Like?
Adult Borneo pythons can grow up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) long. However, most are usually about 1.2 meters (4 feet) long. They have a heavy body and can weigh as much as 13.6 kilograms (30 pounds). Female pythons are usually bigger than males.
Their head is wide and has special pits along the nose. These pits help them sense heat from other animals. Their tail is short and gets thinner towards the end.
The snake's skin usually has a tan color with brown blotches. These blotches can look very different from one snake to another. Some pythons are much lighter, looking more yellow than brown. Young pythons have patterns that stand out more than adult ones. Their head is often yellow.
Where Do Borneo Pythons Live?
You can find the Borneo python on the island of Borneo. This includes the countries of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
These snakes usually live in low-lying areas. They like places with poor drainage, like flood plains. They also live near swampy areas. Sometimes, they can be found in farmlands where people have built irrigation systems.
How Do Borneo Pythons Have Babies?
Borneo pythons are oviparous. This means the female snake lays eggs.
Borneo Pythons as Pets
Borneo pythons used to have a reputation for being a bit grumpy. But they are becoming more popular as pets among reptile fans. This is because snakes raised by people are often easier to handle. Snakes caught in the wild were usually caught for their skin.
