Posted by:
Kelly_Haller
at Fri Nov 14 00:15:48 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Kelly_Haller ]
Here a few photos showing some of the traits I am seeing in Vinny’s Burmese. As I related in my previous post, there are a few characteristics of Sri Lanka molurus that I am seeing expressed in this python. The first is the dark line on the upper side of the head that extends to the end of the nose. In young burmese this extends completely to the end of the nose. In young P. m. molurus, this line and arrowhead marking runs approximately three-fourths of the distance to the end of the nose, and recedes as the python ages to about half in Indians, and completely back in some Sri Lanka specimens. This young python shows about a three-quarter stripe.
The other characteristic I see is in the pattern of the blotches on the dorsal surface. Several of them are showing the classic “H” pattern that is seen in almost all Sri Lanka specimens, and only extremely rarely in Indian molurus. This is never seen in the pattern of any burmese python. The other pattern characteristic common to Sri Lanka specimens that is showing slightly in Vinny’s python is that the anterior edges of some of the blotches show the lack of a dark edge outline, while the posterior dark edge of the same blotch is present. Virtually all burmese show a very strong dark outline around the entire edge of the brown blotch.
While the subocular scales are present in this python, if I remember correctly, some hybrid molurus do have these subocular scales present, and some show the supralabial in contact with the eye. I have posted some photos of my Sri Lanka specimens below, both adults and a young. These show some of the common pattern characteristics of molurus of Sri Lanka origin. Additionally, check out the Sri Lanka molurus photos on this site:
http://www.reptiworld.it/Galleria%20Fotografica/Serpenti/Pitoni/Python%20molurus%20pimbura/index.htm
Some of the photos show similarities to Vinny’s python as well. Another thing you will notice is the extreme pattern variations found within Sri Lanka specimens. I believe that they are one of the most variable subspecies with regards to pattern and color than any other python in the world.
Like I said before, these are strictly my opinions on this python and I could be wrong. However, some of the similarities with Sri Lanka python characteristics are pretty strong.
Great discussion on this one. Thanks,
Kelly
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A few photos to illustrate…. - Kelly_Haller, Fri Nov 14 00:15:48 2008