About Simalia amethistina (Schneider, 1801)
This species, Simalia amethistina, commonly known as the amethystine python, has been reported to reach total lengths over 5.5 m (18.0 ft), including the tail. This size report is likely a result of confusion with the Australian species Simalia kinghorni, as even 4 m (13 ft) specimens of S. amethistina are already considered extremely large. While the amethystine python is smaller than the Australian scrub python (S. kinghorni), some sources state that S. amethistina can reach lengths of 6 m (20 ft), with weights up to 27 kg (60 lb), and possibly even 30 kg (66 lb). Its smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 39 to 53 rows at midbody, and deep heat-sensing pits are present on six or seven of the posterior lower labials. Simalia amethistina is distributed across Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Within Indonesia, it can be found in the Maluku Islands, Timur Laut Islands, Banda, Kai Islands, Aru Islands, Misool, Salawati, most of Western New Guinea, and many islands in Geelvink Bay including Biak, Numfor, Yapen, and Supiori. In Papua New Guinea, its range includes Umboi Island, the Bismarck Archipelago, Trobriand Islands, the d'Entrecasteaux Islands extending to Rossel Island, and the Louisiade Archipelago. The species' type locality is unknown. It can live in both bushland and suburbia. In Indonesia, it is found mostly in rainforests, and generally prefers warm, humid habitats with reliable water sources. In New Guinea, it mostly inhabits scrublands.
