Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Reticulated Python
The heat helps me detect the presence of prey
The heat sensation pits on my body generate infrared rays
Reticulated Python
Scientific name– Malayopython reticulatus
Reticulatus means ‘net-like colour patterns’
This is a non-venomous snake with a size of 20 ft-30 ft long.
Habitat and Distribution –
This heaviest snake is found in the woodlands, Grasslands, rainforests, rivers, lakes, and sewers of Southeast Asia.
How can Reticulated Python watch prey?
Reticulated Pythons have a large head which is striped from their nose to neck and Eyes to Jaw. There are Heat sensation pits present near the jaw.
These Heat sensation pits are the small pits present in snakes,that produce heat radiation. This heat radiation helps them to form an image of the existing warm prey with the help of infrared rays.
Appearance and Habit
Colour varies in different individuals but there are black and yellow bordered diamond blotches are present on the anterior side. There are oval to triangular shapes present on the sides.
The belly is cream to orange in colour.
Reticulated Python isa good swimmer. They camouflage effectively in the environment with the help of their skin colouration. They ambush the prey by hiding at first with the help of camouflage appearance.
They are solitary snakes. After ambushing the prey Reticulated Python will kill the prey constricting it and then Gulps it.
Snake is aggressive, it hisses loudly when disturbed.
Diet-
Reticulated Python consumes Mammals, Birds, Rats, Bats and Tree shrews.
They can also feed on Binturong, Indian civets, Deer and pigs.
Reproduction –
Breeding season is from February to March. Female Reticulated Python release pheromones to attract male reticulated Python.
Female mates with multiple mates. She lays 15-80 eggs after mating and she dwells around the eggs.
The female mostly coils herself around the eggs. The temperature she maintains around the eggs is 80°celcius to 90°celcius.
The young hatchlings are known as ‘Neonates’ which are 2 feet long. They are independent as they are born.
Threats and Population Status-
Reticulated Pythons undergo threats called Habitat Destruction, and the pet trade is hunted for skin and food.
They can be eaten by Carnivorous animals which is a natural threat.
Population status is the Least concern, which means their population is not under threat.
- Also See – Monocled Cobra