| Palaeopython | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| General information | |||
| Universe | Real Life | ||
| Classification | Palaeopython cadurcensis Palaeopython ceciliensis Palaeopython fischeri | ||
| Homeworld | Earth | ||
| Intelligence | Non-sapient | ||
| Biochemistry | Carbon-based lifeform | ||
| Discovered | 1880 | ||
| Discoverer | Alphonse Trémeau de Rochebrune | ||
| Biological information | |||
| Reproduction | Sexual; lays eggs | ||
| Average length | 2 meters | ||
| Locomotion | Slithering | ||
| Feeding behavior | Carnivorous | ||
| Prey | Juvenile: Geiseltaliellus Adult: Messel Horses (presumed) | ||
| Lineage information | |||
| Cultural information | |||
| Alignment | True Neutral | ||
| Sociocultral characteristics | |||
| Scientific taxonomy | |||
| Planet | Earth | ||
| Domain | Eukaryota | ||
| Kingdom | Animalia | ||
| Subkingdom | Deuterostomia | ||
| Infrakingdom | Bilateria | ||
| Phylum | Chordata | ||
| Subphylum | Vertebrata | ||
| Class | Reptilia | ||
| Order | Squamata | ||
| Suborder | Serpentes | ||
| Family | Boidae | ||
| Genus | Palaeopython (Rochebrune, 1880) | ||
| Species | cadurcensis ceciliensis fischeri | ||
| Other information | |||
| Status | Extinct | ||
| First sighting | 1880 | ||
| Possible population | 0 | ||
Palaeopython were a genus of boids that lived during the Eocene around 48 million years ago, formerly indigenous to what is now western Europe - specifically within what is now Messel, Germany.
Palaeopythons were a species of arboreal snakes that reached lengths of over 2 meters. While arboreal they occasionally would have spent time on the ground or in shallow waters close to riverbanks in the area. Juveniles fed upon an iguanian ancestor, Geiseltaliellus maarius, which they would consume headfirst perhaps because of the lizard's head crests. Since boids food preferences change as they age, adults were not likely to feed on these lizards; they may instead have fed upon Messel horses that were known to dominate the area.
As they lived near to the Messel Pit, a volcanic lake with toxic, deep waters, it is believed they would occasionally get killed by asphyxiating clouds of carbon dioxide belched out of the lake, leading to their eventual fossilization. However it is unclear if the lake would suffocate or poison these creatures; this fate was also more common to occur amongst the local aquatic and aerial organisms in the area, making Palaeopython finds less than common.