How pythons live and hunt in the wild
How pythons live and hunt in the wild
Learn about the size, patterns and markings, habitats, feeding habits, and reproduction of pythons, including those of the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus).
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
Pythons are giant, nonpoisonous snakes. There are about 40 species, or types, of python.
Reticulated pythons are the world’s longest snake. They can grow to a length of about 32 feet.
Ball, or royal, pythons are much smaller and popular as pets. They are only about 6 feet long.
Pythons live in the tropical areas of Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. They are found in many habitats including rainforests, grasslands, and swamps. Many species live in trees, caves, or near water.
Pythons vary in color depending on their habitat. They can be yellow, green, tan, or brown.
Most have patterns or lighter markings on their scales to help them blend in with their surroundings.
They have an excellent sense of smell and are able to detect heat, which helps them find food.
Pythons hunt in the water and on land. They feed on small animals such as lizards, birds, and frogs; and larger animals, like deer and wild pigs.
Pythons may only need to eat 4 to 5 times a year, depending on the size of their meal.
Like boas, they are constrictors, meaning they kill prey by coiling themselves around the animal and squeezing tightly until it stops breathing.
The jaws of a python unhinge, allowing them to swallow large prey whole.
Female pythons lay several eggs at one time.
Mothers stay coiled around the eggs to protect and warm them until they hatch.
After they hatch, young are left on their own.
Reticulated pythons are the world’s longest snake. They can grow to a length of about 32 feet.
Ball, or royal, pythons are much smaller and popular as pets. They are only about 6 feet long.
Pythons live in the tropical areas of Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. They are found in many habitats including rainforests, grasslands, and swamps. Many species live in trees, caves, or near water.
Pythons vary in color depending on their habitat. They can be yellow, green, tan, or brown.
Most have patterns or lighter markings on their scales to help them blend in with their surroundings.
They have an excellent sense of smell and are able to detect heat, which helps them find food.
Pythons hunt in the water and on land. They feed on small animals such as lizards, birds, and frogs; and larger animals, like deer and wild pigs.
Pythons may only need to eat 4 to 5 times a year, depending on the size of their meal.
Like boas, they are constrictors, meaning they kill prey by coiling themselves around the animal and squeezing tightly until it stops breathing.
The jaws of a python unhinge, allowing them to swallow large prey whole.
Female pythons lay several eggs at one time.
Mothers stay coiled around the eggs to protect and warm them until they hatch.
After they hatch, young are left on their own.