Two cases of interspecific hybridization among captive Australian boid snakes

Abstract

AbstractA comparative study of external morphology and electrophoresis of blood proteins showed that two broods of Australian boid snakes, conceived and born in captivity, were the progeny of interspecific and intergeneric matings. Unequivocal identification of parents of the Python spilotes × P amethistinus cross was possible; evidence suggested that a P amethistinus female found coiled about the clutch of eggs was not the snake that laid them. The cross between P spilotes × Liasis mackloti was consistent with other evidence suggesting a close relationship between species of Python and Liasis in the Australian‐Papuan region.