Reticulated pythons are known for being the longest snake in the world! Their color pattern is made up of a complex network of diamond-shaped patterns. In fact, “reticulate” literally means “network.” This nonvenomous species is native to the rainforests of Southern Asia.

Reticulated Pythons are ambush predators. They locate their prey using their keen sense of smell and infrared pit organs that line their lips. These organs allow the snake to see the body heat that emanates from a potential prey item. Like all constricting snakes, reticulated pythons have multiple rows of sharp, recurved teeth that help them keep a tight grip on their prey while their strong coils squeeze until the prey item goes into cardiac arrest. They mainly prey on mammals, and less frequently, on birds.

Did you know?

Reticulated pythons are excellent swimmers! They have even been spotted by scientists far out at sea.