Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
Nature

Reticulated Python

What is reticulated python?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Malayopython reticulatus[2]
Family Pythonidae[3]
Native range South and Southeast Asia[2]
Conservation status Least Concern[2]
Record length 10 meters (32.8 feet)[3]
Record weight More than 300 pounds[2]

The reticulated python (*Malayopython reticulatus*) is a giant, non-venomous constricting snake in the family Pythonidae, native to South and Southeast Asia. It is widely described as the world’s longest snake, with a record length of 10 meters (32.8 feet) and a record weight of more than 300 pounds.

Context

The reticulated python is a giant constricting snake in the python family, Pythonidae, and is widely described as the world’s longest snake [2]. It is native to South and Southeast Asia [3]. Like other pythons, it is non-venomous and kills prey by squeezing [1]. It has been listed as an invasive species in Florida [1]. The reticulated python is sometimes confused with the Burmese python, another large constrictor, but the two differ in range and pattern. The ball python, in contrast, is much smaller and is a popular pet species.

Documented claims

  • It is a giant constricting snake. [3]
  • It is described as the world’s longest snake. [2]
  • It is non-venomous. [1]
  • It kills prey by squeezing. [1]
  • It is listed as an invasive species in Florida. [1]

Related

Python SnakeBoth are species of the python family, and readers may want to compare them.

Questions and answers

Is the reticulated python aggressive?

The sources do not specify aggression levels for the reticulated python. [1]

Can a reticulated python swallow a human?

The sources do not provide information on whether a reticulated python can swallow a human. [1]

Why is python called reticulated?

The sources do not explain the origin of the name 'reticulated'. [1]

Are reticulated pythons friendly?

The sources do not describe the temperament of reticulated pythons. [1]

Sources

  1. Reticulated python | Size, Habitat, Diet, & Facts — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Reticulated Python — columbuszoo.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Range And Habitat — worldatlas.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature