Bismarck ringed python

The Bismarck ringed python (Bothrochilus boa) is a species of snake in the genus Bothrochilus^[3] found on the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago. No subspecies are recognized.^[4]

Bismarck ringed python
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Bothrochilus Fitzinger, 1843
Species:	B. boa
Binomial name
Bothrochilus boa (Schlegel, 1837)
Synonyms[2]
Tortrix boa Schlegel, 1837 Nardoa Schlegelii Gray, 1842 Bothrochilus Boa Fitzinger, 1843 Nardoa boa Müller, 1882 Nardoa boa Boulenger, 1893 Nardoana boa Berg, 1901 Nardoa boa De Jong, 1930 Bothrochilus boa Loveridge, 1946 Liasis boa McDowell, 1975 Morelia boa Underwood & Stimson, 1993 B[othrochilus]. boa Kluge, 1993

Description

Adults grow to a length of 152–183 cm (4.99–6.00 ft). The color pattern consists of a series of brilliant orange and black rings in juveniles, but this fades in about a year as the snakes mature. Adults are usually a shade of brown with black rings, or a uniform blackish brown. Usually, there is a light spot behind the eye.^[3] Some specimens may have black rings that are irregular, incompletely formed or even absent. The scales are highly iridescent.

Close up of an adult Bismarck Ringed Python.

Young BRP with its characteristic bright orange and jet-black coloration.

Distribution and habitat

Found on the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago, including Umboi, New Britain, Gasmata (off the southern coast), Duke of York and nearby Mioko, New Ireland and nearby Tatau (off the east coast), the New Hanover Islands and Nissan Island, the type locality given is "Nouvelle Irlande" (New Ireland).^[2] The Bismarck ringed python inhabits rain forests in open and/or cultivated areas,^[3] and is often found in piles of coconut husks.

Behavior

These snakes are nocturnal and fossorial.^[3]

Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of small rodents, for which they actively forage. They have been reported to enter houses and agricultural structures in search of prey. Hatchlings feed on lizards and juvenile rodents.^[3]

Reproduction

Oviparous, they lay up to a dozen eggs that are generally "brooded" by the female, although this is not always the case.^[3]