The amethystine python (Simalia amethistina), also known as the scrub python or sanca permata locally, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Popular among reptile enthusiasts, and noted for its coloration and size, it is one of the six largest snakes in the world, as measured either by length or weight, and is the largest native snake in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Specimens of S. amethistina have reportedly been measured at more than 8.5 m (27.9 ft) in total length (including tail), but this is exceptional, as 5 m (16.4 ft) specimens are already considered large. As is typical for very large constricting snakes, almost no verified specimens of this species have exceeded 6 m (19.7 ft). However, in 1990, while conducting a herpetological survey, Tom Mendelson collected a wild female specimen on Biak Island, far Eastern Indonesia, which measured 22 feet 7 inches.[citation needed] Another huge female, in a report considered reliable by the staff of the Guinness Book of World Records, was measured by S. Dean in 1954 as 7.2 m (23.6 ft). A typical adult specimen will measure around 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13.1 ft). Females typically weigh around 15 kg (33 lb).[citation needed] Some exceptional specimens have been confirmed to weigh over 30 kg (66 lb) and unconfirmed outsized specimens have been reported to scale 90 kg (200 lb), although no specimen of this enormous size has been authenticated. Males are much smaller and slimmer, averaging at 5.1 kg (11 lb) at maturity, and occasionally weighing upwards of 11 kg (24 lb). The body is relatively slim, unlike those of many other large members of this family. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 39–53 rows at midbody. There are deep heat-sensing pits on six or seven of the posterior lower labials.
