Reticulated Python

(Python reticulatus) Non-venomous

The Reticulated Python is known to be the longest of all snakes, attaining a maximum length of between 10 and 15m. Its normal prey consists of warm-blooded animals from chickens, pigs, goats and monkeys to small deer, which it can subdue. The prey is swallowed whole; the snake's jaws are not rigidly joined and thus can be stretched wide to accommodate bulky food items.

This python is normally found in the jungle, especially close to water. It can also be found inhabiting rural and urban settlements. Small pythons can easily be captured and tamed, but adults are dangerous as they can deliver vicious bites, and their powerful coils may be too much for a man to handle.

The female python lays from 20 to 50 eggs, rarely up to 100. The photo shows a female Reticulated Python incubating her clutch of eggs. The eggs adhere together in a mass, which the female coils around and incubated for a period of between 75 and 90 days. Baby pythons look similar to adults and measure about 60cm in length.