Reticulated python

Physical features

• Reticulated pythons are one of the largest snakes in the world and hold the record for the longest living species of snake, with the longest known animals reaching 20-29 feet (7-9 meters) long.

• There is a complex, diamond-shaped pattern that runs along the back and variations in the standard pattern have been differentiated and named. This network-like pattern is where their named is derived; reticulated means “network.”

• They are ambush predators that rely on their sight, smell, and heat sensing “pits” on the side of their head to locate their prey.

• They have four rows of teeth, but they do not produce venom. Being constrictors, reticulated pythons use their teeth as a means for striking and holding prey as they are constricting. They coil around their victim, squeezing tighter each time the victim exhales. Death is by asphyxiation or by lack of oxygenated blood flow.

• They are sexually dimorphic with females reaching larger sizes than males.

Diet: Carnivore

• Wild – Birds and mammals; The size of the prey varies with size of the individual snake. Small, younger snakes feed on rats, while larger, older snakes feed on larger mammals (deer, wild boar, etc.).

• Zoo – Chickens, rabbits, and rats

Reproduction

• Sexual maturity is reached within two to four years but is dependent on size overall. Males breed once they’ve reached lengths of seven to nine feet, while females breed once they are about eleven feet long. This varies by population - some of the dwarf island populations breed at 6 feet in length, or even less.

• Reticulated pythons are oviparous.

• Females lay 25 to 80 eggs and incubate the eggs for about 80 to 90 days. During the incubation time the mother goes through a fasting period and will remain with the eggs until they hatch.

• Fasting and maternal care ends after the young have hatched.

Interpretive Information

• The largest documented reticulated python measured nearly 33 feet (10 meters) long and was found in Indonesia in 1912.

• The largest reticulated python in a zoo, named Medusa, was 25 feet long and about 350 pounds upon her death.

• Females, while incubating, can shiver to raise the temperature of the eggs. These contractions of the muscles cause extra heat to raise the temperature a few degrees if it drops a few degrees too low.

• While reticulated pythons have a reputation for being aggressive they generally do not display aggression when handled regularly in captivity. However, they are a relatively non-social animal and prefer to be in solitary situations.

• Reticulated pythons will often lay in wait in trees or in the water for unsuspecting prey. This helps to conserve energy versus foraging which they also are known to do.

Updated January 2024