pygmy stimsons python

[killimike]

Some people in previous threads have suggested that these are just a locality, not intergrade. Maybe same as BHP and womas vary in size from population to population?

EDIT: aha, beat me to it Steve! Cheers

 

[cris]

If they arnt an intergrade they are a new species or subspecies, they are naturally existing regardless of what name you call them though.

 

[Elapidae1]

They are A stimsoni, maybe an intergrade maybe not.

 

[cris]

They are A stimsoni, maybe an intergrade maybe not.

Not worth debating but they look as much like a spotted pyhon as they do a stimsons python JMO. Easier just to call them retro A.childreni

 

[Elapidae1]

LOL I don't think it quite works like that

 

[cris]

LOL I don't think it quite works like that

Why not? Back in the day they were all A.childreni. Except A.perthensis.

 

[Elapidae1]

Why not? Back in the day they were all A.childreni. Except A.perthensis.

Maybe so but they weren't seperated on a forum because somebody decided they look different.

 

[cris]

Maybe so but they weren't seperated on a forum because somebody decided they look different.

No but they havnt really been officially named one species or the other either, taxonmists are problably busy with other stuff that is equally irrelevant.

 

[Elapidae1]

LOL You've made me laugh. Until then they are A. stimsoni.
Taxonomy not relevant? Taxonomy is extremely relevant and important to the ongoing study of our native reptiles, to suggest otherwise I would imagine is a bit insulting to the many people who have dedicated their lives to its study.

 

[picaloandlola]

Hey guys ! I know I'm jumping into this thread a bit late but just curious - are these Pygmy stimsons available in vic ! I can't seem to find anything on their availability here ! And I'm keen ! Thanks

- - - Updated - - -

No its not that simple, its likely that they have just evolved to be smaller over a long period of time. While they are short they are still very fat like a spotted python if not fatter. I have no experience in the area they come from so trying to suggest why being smaller was an advantage would be pretty much a random guess. That said being small or big has various advantages and disavantages that come with it, considerable size differances are fairly common in many species of reptiles.

Ok everyone is going to be like who is this new person butting in ! BUT ! I can't help put my 2 cents in - I agree with cris. After reading the small description on snake ranch my conclusion is:
it is a sub species of Stimson python. All Antaresia stimsoni naturally accurs in variable sizes depending on their location. Judging by the local of these guys (so called Pygmy stimmies) their natural habitat would be a Forrest of tight tree's/ vegetation where being small and concealed would be an adaptation advantage.. Overtime these group of stimson, subjected to environmental pressures to stay small, have become significantly (hence the pygmy label) smaller than the rest, by being separated geographically. I think it's called "allopatric speciation" but correc me if I'm wrong. Just a vague hypothesis haha... Sorry for butting in