Pythons are a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the world. Ten genera and 39 species are currently recognized. Being naturally non-venomous, pythons must constrict their prey to suffocate it prior to consumption. Pythons will typically strike at and bite their prey of choice to gain hold of it; they then must use physical strength to constrict their prey, by coiling their muscular bodies around the animal, effectively suffocating it before swallowing whole.
Pythons are found in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia, with an invasive population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades National Park, Florida. They are ambush predators that primarily kill prey by constriction, causing cardiac arrest. Pythons are oviparous, laying eggs that females incubate until they hatch. While many species are available in the exotic pet trade, caution is needed with larger species due to potential danger. The taxonomy of pythons has evolved, and they are now more closely related to sunbeam snakes and the Mexican burrowing python.
Physical characteristics
Pythons are large, heavy-bodied snakes with smooth, shiny scales. They have a triangular head with a short snout and large, heat-sensing pits on either side of the face. The body is long and cylindrical, with a relatively small tail. The scales on the back are usually keeled, meaning that they have a ridge running down the middle. The color and pattern of the scales vary depending on the species, but most pythons are some combination of brown, black, and yellow.
Size and weight
The size of pythons varies widely depending on the species. The smallest species, the ball python, only grows to about 3 feet in length and weighs about 3 pounds. The largest species, the reticulated python, can grow to over 30 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds.
Distribution and habitat
Pythons are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, swamps, and deserts. They are most common in tropical and subtropical regions, but some species can be found in temperate climates.
Diet
Pythons are carnivores and eat a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Larger pythons can prey on large mammals such as deer, pigs, and antelope. Smaller pythons typically eat smaller prey, such as rodents, lizards, and birds.
Reproduction
Pythons are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs. The number of eggs laid varies depending on the species, but most pythons lay between 10 and 100 eggs. The eggs are incubated by the female, who coils her body around them to keep them warm. The eggs hatch after about 60 to 90 days.
Behavior
Pythons are generally solitary animals and are only active during the day or night depending on the species. They are ambush predators and typically lie in wait for their prey before striking. Once they have caught their prey, they constrict it to death before swallowing it whole. Pythons are not venomous, but they can inflict a serious bite if they feel threatened.
Conservation status
Most python species are not considered to be threatened or endangered. However, some species, such as the Burmese python, are considered to be invasive species in some parts of the world. The Burmese python was introduced to the Everglades National Park in Florida in the 1980s and has since become a major problem. The pythons are eating native wildlife and are displacing native predators. Efforts are underway to control the python population in the Everglades.
Pythons in captivity
Pythons are popular in the exotic pet trade. However, caution is needed when keeping pythons as pets. Larger species can be dangerous and should only be kept by experienced keepers. Pythons require a large enclosure that is properly heated and humidified. They also need a diet of live prey. Pythons can live for many years in captivity, so it is important to be prepared for a long-term commitment before getting one as a pet.
