Chromosomes and the classification of the snakes of the family Boidae

The chromosomes of the Indian rock python, Python molurus (sub-family Pythoninae), and the sand boa, Eryx johni johni (Boinae), were investigated and compared with those of Boa constrictor (Boinae). A striking similarity of the chromosomes of Boa and Python was observed, but the karyotype of the Eryx was found to be different from that of the other two species. This investigation clearly supports the validity of the doubt expressed by some taxonomists regarding a close phylogenetic relationship between Boa and Eryx