Description:

The African worm-tailed python (Skouleakiouras africanus) is an afropython species native to the Congo Savannah and Congo Rainforest in Africa. This species is generally light brown with cream and dark brown. These snakes, however, come in several colors, ranging from reddish-brown with dark spots to completely black. They have a reddish-brown tip on their tail, designed to look like a worm. They are 150 to 180 centimeters long and weigh roughly one to two kilograms. They have a broader head than basal pythons, which is typical for the afropython group. They live up 10 years in the wild, but can live up 30 years in captivity with the right care.

Distribution

These snakes inhabit open woodland, wooded areas of the savanna, and the forest floor of the Congo Rainforest. They mainly prefer areas with leaf litter and shade from trees.

Behavior and Diet

Diet

These snakes mainly prey on lizards, songbirds, and small mammals.

Hunting Behavior

These snakes use a form of aggressive mimicry called caudal luring. They use their worm-like tails to lure in prey. They wait on the ground and wag their tails from side to side. Once a small animal takes notice of their tail, the snake will wait until the prey gets into striking range. Once the prey enters this range, the snake will strike and constrict the prey, cutting off the blood flow of the animal, which cuts off oxygen to the vital organs. They do this until the prey's heart stops and is dead. Once death occurs, the python swallows the prey whole. They usually eat about once a week but can go for months without eating. 

Reproduction

These pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that develop outside the body. When it is time for females to lay eggs, they will find a burrow and rest there. They will then lay three to ten eggs. Once the females lay the eggs, the female will protect their eggs until they hatch, which happens after 55 to 60 days. The female will leave their young to fend for themselves shortly after they hatch. The snakes will try to find cover and hunt for small amphibians, insects, and rodents. They reach sexual maturity after 12 to 18 months.

Evolutionary History

These snakes likely evolved from the similarly sized ball python (Python regius). This ancestor of the father is the whole Afropythonidae family. Afropythonidae is characterized by a broader skull and specialized tails that are used for a variety of purposes. The African worm-tailed python is a basal member of the group, possessing traits that still make it similar to their ancestor. More derived members live in the rainforests, wetlands, and on islands.