Antersia head scales.

bensnacks · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2002, 12:19 PM

Could you guy's help me out??

I'm doing a bit of research of my own and need anyone
who has access to a Children's, Spotted, or Stimson's python.

Could you please refer to the diagram supplied by Stormy from python's.net
below.

I'm in no way attempting to discredit the owner of the python's.net or Stormy.
Just that I have not seen this referred to in any dichotomous key thus far.
Also have seen several variations of these on five different captive Antersia
recently, plus, according to that diagram I own a Children's not a Spotted as told by
the seller.
[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

So if you Antersia owners ,plus anyone who comes across them in pet stores, other collections
or wherever could post a) Which species ? ,b)Head scale configeration re. diagram.(You may find
a different configiration than those shown with one small dividing scale either above or below the large
central head scales.)

I'll then compare these to animals from my local area, which should only be pure Spotted according to
the species geography.
Thanks for your contributions! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
Diagram

Stormyva · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2002, 01:06 PM

Bensnacks dont worry about discrediting me... I come here for an education and would also like to know the types of snakes I own. This sounds like a fun project/survey and you are lucky enough to live in an area where you have access to the real thing.

Here is the head scalation diagram that I had come across on the internet......

I wil try and get some good head shots of my little one whom is supposedly a childrens python.
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bensnacks · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2002, 03:40 AM

Thanks mate!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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Stormyva · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 04:05 AM

Ben.... sorry it took so long to get some pics but here they are.

Here is a link to where I posted them in the "post your pics" forum.....
http://www.redtailboa.net/modules.ph...088&#77735
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bensnacks · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 04:45 PM

Thanks a lot Stormy , yeh I could make them out (the scales). [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Now I know of at least three other Antersia owners here (Lori, B.G.,Mark)
You holding out on me guys?? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]
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bensnacks · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 03:57 PM

Well here's some results I have on Antersia in local collections.

The species name given is that which was supplied by the current or previous owner.
The 'above', 'below' ,'both' or 'none' refers to the small dividing scales pointed out in
the diagram of the 'Childrens python'.'Below' refers to one dividing scale being present towards the
nose, 'above' to one dividing scale present towards back of head.'Both' and 'none' self-explanatory??I think??

Spotted;both; 3
none;1
below; 3

Children's;both; 1

Stimson's;above;1

Could I have some input on more captive animals you have there please...

Can anyone out there give me more accurate names for these scales also??
Would this survey be better placed in 'Herp anatomy 101' ??

Dr.Oviparous · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 11:01 AM

Great topic ben! BuMp bUMp
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najaboy · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 05:49 PM

I'll post some more info tonight after I get home from work, but the diagram is not accurate as a diagnostic tool. The scalation of maculosa is highly variable, with the highlighted scales being present on many individuals.

A good reference on this would be Pythons of the World, Vol. 1, by Dave & Tracy Barker, as is discusses the meristics and variability of each species.
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bensnacks · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 11:20 PM

Natural variation was what I had my money on.
I thought it was too unusual if such an obvious trait had been overlooked previously.

I still want some more examples please guys, this little project gives me a good excuse to
get out in the field.

Speaking of which I'm off in a 1/2 hour to a local wetland to look at some Water python (Liasis fuscus)
and their nesting sites!!!
[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]WOOOHOOO!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]

Boaguy · #10 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 12:13 AM

Ill try to get a pic for u ben,sorry it took me awhile to find this.
mine is a spotted it might take awhile to get the pics to u since my cam is broke but
she has two medium sized head plates under the big one, like shone in the drawing
stormy put
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Boaguy · #11 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 12:13 AM

Ill try to get a pic for u ben,sorry it took me awhile to find this.
mine is a spotted it might take awhile to get the pics to u since my cam is broke but
she has two medium sized head plates under the big one, like shone in the drawing
stormy put
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bensnacks · #12 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 06:29 AM

I don't need pics neccessarily guys,I'll take your word on it.

What I need to know B.G. is if Leo has the very small scales the red arrows are
pointing to in the drawing.
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