BBC News Online: Sci/Tech

Shy snake bites twice

On Sri Lanka, it took only a group of students to catch a modern and more modest version of the hydra: a two-headed python.

The students brought the python to the police station in the southern town of Tissamaharama, and since then thousands of curiousity seekers have attempted to catch a glimpse of the serpent.

The 26cm (10.5in) snake has now been transferred to the local zoo, one month after thef students captured it.

The zoo's Deputy Director of Wildlife, Nandana Atapattu, said the python was of the Molurs species and has four eyes, two brains, two tongues and two noses.

"This is the first time such a case has been recorded in the world," he said.

"This is the only known living specimen. There have been snakes born deformed like this but they have not survived."

The snake had been weak when it was first found but has thrived on a vitamin-rich diet.

X-rays show it can survive with both heads, although it uses the right by choice, Mr Atapattu said.

"What we have noticed is that it prefers to use the right head for eating although both heads are functioning normally.

"It is a bit like people being left or right handed. This is a right-headed python."

The snake is now putting its heads together to see what it can do to rebuild the Sri Lankan tourist industry, hit by Tamil Tiger violence.

"We can expect a flood of visitors just to see this strange phenomenon," another wildlife official said.

"But for the moment, the python needs a rest before it can strike gold for the tourism industry."

Related Stories

Two headed snake found in Sri Lanka (From Despatches)

Internet Links

Reptile Rage
Reptile Data base
Herp Link

The BBC is not responsible for the content of these internet sites.

Summaries

In this section

Up-to-date air pollution information on the Internet
Scientists discover a new prion link to mental illnesses
Baby boys know the difference
Lara Croft cyber celebrity
Internet shops set to take off
Software companies look to develop interactive movies
Shuttle blasts off on time despite sealing problems
Smoking fathers 'choke' breath of new life
Net closes in on Vietnam
Helping young animators to pick up the pencil
British doctors back use of cannabis
Has Bill Gates finally met his match?