This snake is one of the most beautiful and colorful in the world and the longest. Growing up to 30 feet (9 meters) in length and weighing over 300 pounds (136 kilograms). That’s longer than a school bus and heavier than a motorcycle! If you are looking for a prehistoric pet that can impress, or frighten, your friends and family, the reticulated python is the reptile for the job.
But before you rush to buy one of these giant reptiles, you should know that they are not for beginners. Reticulated pythons are very powerful and intelligent animals requiring much space, care, and attention. They can also be dangerous if not handled properly or if they escape from their enclosure. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the reticulated python, including its history, biology, behavior, and care.
Scientific Name |
Malayopython reticulatus |
Common Names |
Reticulated Python, Retic, Regal Python, Netted Python |
Family |
Pythonidae |
Origin |
Southeast Asia and western Bangladesh to southeastern Vietnam and on the Indo-Pacific islands west of New Guinea |
Adult Size |
Over 16 feet (4.8 meters) in length and 170 kg (375 lbs) in weight on average |
Life Expectancy |
Over 20 years in captivity |
Aggression |
Moderate to high |
Difficulty |
High |
Minimum Tank Size |
At least one square foot of floor space for every foot of snake length. For example, a 10-foot (3-meter) python would need a 10-by-10-foot (3-by-3-meter) enclosure |
Captive Breedable |
Yes |
So, What are Reticulated Pythons?
The reticulated python (Python reticulatus) is a species of snake that belongs to the family Pythonidae, which includes other large snakes such as boas and anacondas. The name “reticulated” comes from the Latin word “reticulum,” which means “net-like.” This refers to the complex and intricate pattern of black, yellow, and brown scales that cover the snake’s body. The pattern helps the snake blend in with its natural habitat of tropical forests and grasslands in Southeast Asia.
The reticulated python is closely related to the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), which is the heaviest snake in the world. They are “old world” cousins, often considered sister species, meaning they share a common ancestor but have evolved differently over time. The green anaconda lives in South America and prefers wet and swampy environments, while the reticulated python lives in Asia and prefers dry and open areas. The green anaconda also has a thicker and shorter body than the reticulated python, which has a slender and longer body.
How Big Can a Reticulated Python Get?
The reticulated python is widely recognized as the world’s longest snake, although there is some controversy over the exact measurements. The Guinness World Records lists a reticulated python named Medusa as the longest-living snake in captivity, with a length of 25 feet 2 inches (7.67 meters) as of 2011. However, there have been previous reports of wild reticulated pythons reaching up to 33 feet (10 meters) or more.
The size of a reticulated python depends on several factors, such as genetics, diet, environment, and sex. Generally, females are larger than males, and pythons living on small islands tend to be smaller than those living in mainland areas. The largest reticulated pythons are found in Indonesia, where they have access to abundant prey such as deer, pigs, monkeys, and even crocodiles.
The weight of a reticulated python also varies depending on its length and girth. A typical adult reticulated python can weigh between 150 to 250 pounds (68 to 113 kilograms), but some specimens can exceed 300 pounds (136 kilograms). The heaviest reticulated python ever recorded was a female named Samantha, who weighed 403 pounds (183 kilograms) when she died in 2006 at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
What Do Reticulated Pythons Eat?
Reticulated pythons are carnivorous animals that feed on a variety of vertebrates, such as rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, fish, and mammals. They use their sharp teeth and strong jaws to grab their prey and then wrap their muscular coils around it to suffocate it. They can swallow their prey whole by unhinging their lower jaw and stretching their skin. They can also sense their prey’s body heat using special “pit organs” located on their upper lip.
Reticulated pythons have a very slow metabolism and can go for weeks or months without eating after a large meal. They can also eat prey that is much larger than themselves. Several cases of giant reticulated pythons have attacked or killed people in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. However, these incidents are rare and usually involve wild pythons that mistake humans for their natural prey or feel threatened by them.
Reticulated Pythons Behavior
Reticulated pythons are mostly nocturnal animals that spend most of their time hiding under rocks, logs, or vegetation during the day. They are excellent swimmers and climbers and can move quickly on land or water. They are also very curious and intelligent and can learn to recognize their owners and respond to their voice or touch.
For being such a massive animal, they can also give Houdini a run for his money. They will quickly escape from their enclosures if they are not secure enough or if there is a weak spot. If there is one, they will find it without a doubt.
Reticulated pythons are solitary animals that only come together for mating. The breeding season usually occurs between September and March, when the females release pheromones to attract the males. The males then compete for the females by wrestling with each other using their tails. The winner gets to mate with the female, who can store the sperm for several months before laying eggs.
The female reticulated python lays between 15 to 80 eggs in a nest made of leaves and debris. She then coils around the eggs and shivers her muscles to generate heat and incubate them. The eggs hatch after about 90 days, and the baby pythons emerge with a length of about 2 feet (0.6 meters) and a weight of about 4 ounces (113 grams). The mother python does not care for the hatchlings, who are independent from birth and have to fend for themselves.
Caring for a Reticulated Python
Reticulated pythons are not recommended as pets for beginners or casual snake lovers. They are very demanding and challenging animals requiring much space, equipment, and expertise. They can also be very expensive to buy and maintain when they live up to 30 years or more. If you are still interested in owning a reticulated Python, you should research and prepare before getting one.
Enclosure
Logically you might think that big snakes need big enclosures, and you’d be absolutely right. For these guys, especially! But it’s imperative that you have a large and secure enclosure to accommodate your snake’s size and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one square foot of floor space for every foot of snake length. For example, a 10-foot (3-meter) python would need a 10-by-10-foot (3-by-3-meter) enclosure. The enclosure should also have a sturdy lid that can be locked to prevent the snake from escaping.
Temperature
The enclosure should also have a temperature gradient that ranges from 80 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 33 degrees Celsius) during the day and drops to 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius) at night. You can use heat lamps, mats, or ceramic heaters to provide the heat, but make sure they are out of the snake’s reach or covered with a guard to prevent burns. You should also have a thermometer and a hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the enclosure.
Water
The enclosure should also have a large water bowl that is big enough for the snake to soak in and drink from. The water should be changed daily or as needed to keep it clean and fresh. You should also provide some hiding places, such as boxes, logs, or plants, where the snake can feel secure and comfortable. You can also add some branches, rocks, or vines to create some climbing opportunities for the snake.
Diet and Nutrition
The diet of a reticulated python consists mainly of frozen-thawed rodents, such as mice, rats, or rabbits, depending on the size of the snake. You should feed your snake once every one to two weeks, depending on its age, size, and activity level. To prevent regurgitation or stress, you should also avoid handling your snake for at least 24 hours after feeding it.
Health
The health of your reticulated python depends largely on the quality of its care and environment. Some common health problems that can affect reticulated pythons include respiratory infections, mites, parasites, scale rot, mouth rot, burns, injuries, obesity, and stress. You should check your snake regularly for any signs of illness or injury and consult a veterinarian if you notice anything unusual or concerning.
Interesting Facts About Reticulated Pythons
Reticulated pythons are fascinating animals that have many amazing features and abilities (although not superhero-like). Here are some interesting facts about them:
- Reticulated pythons have over 100 recurved teeth (curve backward) to prevent their prey from escaping.
- They grow up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) or more per month in their first year of life.
- Retics can change their color slightly depending on their mood or temperature.
- They have been known to eat other snakes, including venomous ones such as cobras and vipers.
- Reticulated pythons have been used by some Indonesian people as guard animals or pets.
- Reticulated pythons have been featured in many movies, books, and TV shows, such as Anaconda, Harry Potter, and Snake City.
- Reticulated pythons have many genetic morphs or variations in color and pattern that hobbyists and collectors breed. Some of the most popular morphs include albino, golden child, tiger, super dwarf, platinum, sunfire, caramel albino, and lavender albino.
Conclusion
Reticulated pythons are amazing animals that have captivated the imagination and curiosity of many people. They are the world’s longest snakes and can grow to incredible sizes and weights. They are also very beautiful and colorful, with a complex and intricate pattern of scales that helps them camouflage in their natural habitat. They are very powerful and intelligent predators that can eat prey much larger than themselves, such as deer, pigs, monkeys, and even crocodiles.
If you are one of those people who are fascinated by these giant reptiles and want to own one as a pet, you should do a lot of research and preparation before getting one. You should also be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the ownership of reticulated pythons in your area, as they may be restricted or banned in some places. You should also be respectful and responsible for your snake and its welfare and the safety of yourself and others.
Reticulated pythons are truly remarkable creatures that deserve our admiration and appreciation. They are living fossils that have survived for millions of years and adapted to various environments and challenges. They are also living artworks that display a stunning diversity of colors and patterns that can mesmerize anyone who sees them. They are reticulated pythons, the world’s longest snakes.
