Description:

The Congo worm-tailed python (Skouleakiouras africanus) is an afropython species native to the Congo Savannah and Congo Rainforest in Africa. This species is generally brown with a cream stripe on the dorsal side, extending across two sides. These pythons also have two dark stripes on their sides. On the tip of the tail, a series of scales evolved similar to the tail of a rattlesnake, but without the multiple segments underneath the first layer of keratin sheets. The first layer is also thickened to make it difficult to break or injure. Rather than being a rattle, this tail is used as a lure to grab the attention of prey. They are 150 to 180 centimeters long and weigh roughly one to two kilograms. They tend to live 10 years in the wild, and live up to 30 years in captivity. 

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.

Diet

These snakes mainly prey on frogs, lizards, small birds, and small mammals.

Hunting Behavior

These snakes display a form of aggressive mimicry coined caudal luring. Caudal luring is when an animal uses its tail to lure their prey closer to them. In this case, the python's worm-shaped tail is perfect for this form of hunting. They wait on the ground and wag their tails from side to side. Once a small animal takes notice of the snake’s tail, the python will wait until the prey gets into striking range. Once the prey enters this range, the snake will strike and constrict the prey. They do this until the prey's heart stops. 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 (laying eggs that develop outside the body). Mating is mostly random and year-round. 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 them until they hatch. These eggs take up 60 days to hatch. The female will leave their young to fend for themselves shortly after they hatch. The baby snake 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 Afropythoninae subfamily. These pythons are characterized by their small size, keratinized tail, and retractable pelvic spurs.