The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world. Large pythons are about 5 to 7 meters long. As of November 2026, zoo pages give 10 meters as the longest on record. Zoo pages say a python can weigh up to about 75 kilograms, or 165 pounds. Female pythons are larger than males.

Reticulated pythons live from western Bangladesh to southeastern Vietnam, and on islands to the south. They live in tropical forests, often near ponds, rivers and streams. They prefer temperatures of about 24 to 34 degrees Celsius with high humidity.

In Singapore, reticulated pythons move around the city through drainpipes and swim in canals.

Young reticulated pythons spend a lot of time off the ground in trees and bushes, while large adults stay mostly on the ground. They are good swimmers. They often spend time in water.

A reticulated python hunts by waiting in ambush until food comes close. It has many sharp teeth that curve backwards. It has no venom.

Small reticulated pythons eat mostly rodents, and as they grow they take larger animals such as pigs and deer. A python swallows its food whole. A snake has a very low metabolic rate, so it can go a long time between meals. One large meal can last it for several months.

Because adult reticulated pythons are so big, they have few natural predators. They are hunted for their skins. The skins are used for leather goods such as belts, wallets and boots. As of November 2026, the IUCN Red List lists the reticulated python as Least Concern.

The bigger a female python is, the more eggs she lays. Male pythons begin to breed at about 7 to 9 feet long, and females at about 11 feet long. A clutch usually holds about 25 to 50 eggs.

A mother python coils around her eggs and shivers her muscles to make heat that keeps the eggs warm. Python eggs hatch after about 80 to 90 days.

A newly hatched python is roughly 55 to 75 centimeters long. In the wild, reticulated pythons live about 15 to 22 years.

Words to know

• metabolic: body energy use
• ambush: wait to catch
• humidity: wet air
• predators: animals that hunt