Angolan Dwarf Python Snake

Facts about Angolan Dwarf Python. "Scientific name for Angolan Dwarf Python snake is Python anchietae". Also known as the Angolan Python, that name has also been known in the science world for awhile. The Angolan Dwarf Python snake was first described in 1887 by Barbosa du Bocage of National Museum of Lisbon. Featured by two fairly unusual conditions on its scalation, this python has a very large number of small scales on its head and a pair of intranasal scales and anterior per-frontal scales that form a plate-like scaly head. The Angolan Dwarf Python snake have dorsal scales on the head while those on its body are slightly domed and rounded. The Angolan Dwarf Python snakes have flattened bodies when viewed from the cross-section while the back is broad just like it is common among most of the rock-dwelling species. The Angolan Dwarf Python belongs to a family of non-venomous snakes found in Australia, Asia and Africa. It is among the largest snake species on earth and they are among 30 species of pythons in the entire world.

Physical Appearance of Angolan Dwarf Python snake

The Angolan Dwarf Python is featured by reddish-brown to brown (almost black) color that is overlaid with irregular marks of white/cream spots and bands. The Angolan Dwarf Python snakes belly is yellowish while its head is covered by reddish-brown triangular markings bordered on the sides by black-edged and creamy white bands. Their scales feel like hundreds of tiny pearls because of the beaded texture. The Angolan Dwarf Python snake can grow up to 6 feet in length (1.8meters).

Geographical Distribution of Angolan Dwarf Python snake

When it comes to range and habitat, the Angolan Dwarf Python is native to Africa, Northern Namibia and Southern Angola. Habitat consists of ravine bush, areas strewn with rocks in open grasslands or bushes and rocky outcroppings.

Predators of Angolan Dwarf Python snake

Small and young Angolan Dwarf Pythons are preyed on by predators such as birds of prey, some reptiles and other mammals such as mongoose. Human activities can really affect the habitat of these snakes in the wild.

Adaptability of Angolan Dwarf Python snake

The Angolan Dwarf Python snakes have heat sensitive pits located on the upper lip and five on each side of the head. They have Angolan Jacobsan’s organ lined along its mouth with olfactory cells and nerves that normally interpret the chemical stimuli in its environment. These organs are a pair of pit like organs on the roof of the mouth. The Angolan Dwarf Python snakes are also characterized by a forked tongue which often flickers through the air. They use this tongue to pick up scent particles before conveying them to the roof of their mouth.