Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does any one know of a site or have a link to a site where I can find a definitive way(s) to tell the difference between Python sebae and Python s. natalensis?
Or if anyone can just tell me, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Vinny

the rock being held is natalensis, the other is sebae sebae, note the different markings.
Mike

Python natalensis was given full species status about ten years ago and there are several morphological characters that can be used to distinguish the two. The most apparent difference is that P. sebae has the typical, large plate scales on top of the head, (internasals, frontals, and supraoculars). While P. natalensis shows small internasals, and then behind them are very much smaller scales, unlike the larger plate-like scales seen with most other members of the genus Python. Also, P. natalensis lacks the large, dark pre-ocular area that is so obvious with P. sebae. You can see the lack of it in the P. natalensis photo Mike posted. There are other subtle color and pattern differences, but the above head scale and pre-ocular color differences are the most obvious. Size has also been thought to be a difference as well, but P. natalensis have been accurately measured up to 18 feet, however average full size adults are probably 12 to 14 feet.

Kelly

Ball Pythons have larger plate scales, and Angolan pythons have the small scales like Natalensis......coincidentally both species have small markings scattered over a darker background.
Mike

Those smaller granular type scales also seem to show up in arid climate reptiles like anchietae and natalensis as well. Thanks,

Kelly

Thanks a lot to both of you for helping out with this. Not too many places where you can get information like this that's accurate. Thanks again.

I intend to import some of these guys in the near future along with several other odds and ends. The big problem with natalensis is that their range WIDELY overlaps that of sebae and they interbred readily so finding pure animals isn't easy.
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John Light

The area of geographic range overlap between P. sebae and P. natalensis is really fairly small. The only areas where they come together is in the border area between Kenya and Tanzania, and in east central DR of the Congo. I would not doubt that they may occasionally interbreed in these areas, but this possible intergradation zone makes up less than 5% of their total ranges. I believe that the odds of obtaining natural hybrids would be quite low. If you do acquire specimens of natalensis, please post some photos as these guys are rarely seen in the U.S. Thanks,

Kelly

Kelly,

I'm only going by what some friends of mine in africa have told me. I will post some pictures if I'm so lucky to get a few!
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John Light