Locality : Cyclops

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Here is a well-known mainland locality that has been recognized for years, perhaps slightly less so than the Sorong. This locality exhibits occasional striking contrasts and beauty, a calm and curious behavior, and a relatively manageable adult size. Introducing the Cyclops locality, also known as Cyclops Mountain.

Of medium size, once mature, it can be positioned between a Sorong and a Jayapura, with a relatively close geographical proximity, hence some similarities. However, it lacks the typical dorsal stripe of the Jayapura, and there is virtually no absence of white punctuation on any individuals.

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The Cyclops Mountain is found in both lowland and mid-altitude regions, in the northern and coastal areas (see map). An interesting characteristic is that individuals from this locality can be born either yellow or red. It's worth noting that there is no risk of finding individuals with significant size contrasts, as seen in the Sorong locality, where there can be substantial variations in size and weight among adults. For instance, female Sorong individuals can range from a maximum of 1.2 kg to over 3 kg, and exceed 1.8 m without issue. However, this is never the case with the Cyclops locality.

What makes this locality particularly intriguing is the opportunity to find specimens of incredible beauty. The Cyclops can exhibit a sometimes uniform blue coloration on the body, resembling a "sprinkling" effect, or intense compact blue markings that persist throughout their lives. Additionally, they may display highly intense white punctuations, either grouped in clusters, forming lines, or even scattered across the entire body (it should be noted that the intensity of white punctuation is primarily observed in imported specimens, as it tends to diminish with each generation, sometimes completely disappearing by the F3/F4 stage. This observation can be compared to the Merauke locality).

Morelia Viridis

During a period when adult imports were frequent and still allowed (approximately 15 years ago and earlier), one could occasionally encounter specimens with astonishingly intense and contrasting colors. Based on the genetic foundation of these specimens.

Morelia Viridis

Generally, individuals born red tend to exhibit more pronounced contrasts (white punctuation, blue markings, and occasionally black punctuation) when they reach adulthood, regardless of their gender. Whether this observation is accurate or not, and the exact reason for this difference, I have no idea. It is simply a purely personal observation, based on my experiences with both captive-born and imported specimens.

Morelia Viridis

The Cyclops locality is relatively straightforward to establish and maintain, possessing a "hybrid" character that falls between the "active" Sorong and the more "docile" Jayapura. In summary, one can infer that this locality displays a slightly nervous juvenile behavior without being as restless as a Biak... This greatly facilitates the feeding trial. After 3 months, there are no notable difficulties encountered with this locality. As long as the conditions within the terrarium are properly maintained, feeding goes smoothly. The temperament quickly becomes more relaxed over the course of months and years, even during the night.

Credits text and photos : Steve Schmitt