African Python Genetics

[YungRasputin]

i didn’t really know exactly where to post this so i thought the ‘general herp’ section might be best - i was recently told by another Afrock keeper that P. sebae, P. natalensis, P. anchietae, and P. regius all share a particularly close relationship with one another, that they are each other’s closest living relatives and that they are less removed in relationship to one another than that of other python species complexes - so basically, i was hoping maybe someone could help me confirm this or has information on this - specifically meaning like genetics, evolution, etc and all that - hope this all makes sense lol

[YungRasputin]

not exactly scientific but i did create this side profile collage of each of the 4 species mentioned above and i think at any rate, on a superficial level, the resemblances and similarities are quite noticeable

[Malum Argenteum]

It would be worth getting a source citation from "another Afrock keeper", as it seems Pythonidae phylogeny is in no way settled. Here's a useful review:

https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/...75/1/1/2449833

Though there's not much in the discussion there regarding Python, the cladograms make clear that the relationships between the species in that genus are not well understood. The differences between Pyron 2013 (figure 5) and Reynolds 2014 (figure 6) are considerable.

Here's a public copy of Reynolds 2014:

https://www.faculty.umb.edu/liam.rev...l_2014.MPE.pdf

[YungRasputin]

It would be worth getting a source citation from "another Afrock keeper", as it seems Pythonidae phylogeny is in no way settled. Here's a useful review:

https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/...75/1/1/2449833

Though there's not much in the discussion there regarding Python, the cladograms make clear that the relationships between the species in that genus are not well understood. The differences between Pyron 2013 (figure 5) and Reynolds 2014 (figure 6) are considerable.

Here's a public copy of Reynolds 2014:

https://www.faculty.umb.edu/liam.rev...l_2014.MPE.pdf

oh ja not v much to go on my i realize but i do v much appreciate this answer all the same and i will try to ask said person for a source so we’ll see

[Bogertophis]

not exactly scientific but i did create this side profile collage of each of the 4 species mentioned above and i think at any rate, on a superficial level, the resemblances and similarities are quite noticeable

I don't know about their actual genetic relationship, but it can also be said that snakes that evolve in a similar habitat or area tend to develop characteristics that promote their survival, so it should surprise no one if there's overlap (ie. similarity in appearances). Whatever works (as in camouflage) is kept.