Python breitensteini

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Borneo short-tailed python

Borneo short-tailed python, Python breitensteini

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Python
Species:	P. breitensteini

Binomial name

Python breitensteini
Steindachner, 1881

The Borneo short-tailed python (Python breitensteini) is a species of heavy-bodied python native primarily to the island of Borneo. Once considered a subspecies of Python curtus, they have since been reclassified as a separate species, however, they are still generally grouped with two other species: the Red or Malaysian Blood Python (Python brongersmai) and the Sumatran or Black Blood Python (Python curtus), as blood pythons.

1 Description
2 Geographic Range & Habitat
3 Behavior
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Description

Borneo short-tailed pythons have been reported as attaining lengths of nearly 7 feet (2.1 m), although they usually only grow to approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) in length. They can weigh in the range of 30 lb (13.6 kg). They are sexually dimorphic in that females are generally larger than males.

They have a long, broad head that is usually a yellow in color, with several heat sensing pits along the nose. Their body is thickly built and a varying pattern of tan with brown blotching, which can vary greatly between specimens. As their name implies, their tail is short and tapering. Though there have been no reported instances of albinism in the species, there are individuals which display a significantly lighter color, appearing more yellow than brown. Juveniles have a more contrasting pattern than adults.

Young Borneo short-tailed python

[edit] Geographic Range & Habitat

Though largely only found in Indonesia and Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, they also have been recorded in Singapore. They are typically found at lower elevations, on poorly drained flood plains, or on the edges of swampy areas. Man-made irrigation of farmland has also provided the species with appropriate habitat.

[edit] Behavior

While they (and other blood pythons) generally have a reputation for being mean-tempered, Borneo short-tailed pythons are becoming more commonly kept as pets among reptile enthusiasts. Their rise in popularity is due to captive bred specimens being recognized as more easily handled than wild-caught snakes.