Pythons are a family of non-venomous constrictor snakes, recognized for their impressive size and predatory abilities. These reptiles typically subdue their prey by coiling their muscular bodies around an animal and constricting until it succumbs to cardiac arrest. Pythons are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They possess physical features such as a broad, triangular head, sharp backward-curving teeth, and often exhibit striking patterns on their scales.
The Current Count
The family Pythonidae encompasses a diverse group of snakes, with the precise number of recognized species remaining dynamic due to ongoing scientific research and reclassification. Currently, approximately 38 to 42 species of pythons are recognized within 10 distinct genera. This number can fluctuate as new species are identified or as taxonomic revisions occur.
Key Python Genera
The diversity within the Pythonidae family is evident across its various genera, each with unique characteristics. The genus Python includes well-known species such as the Indian python (Python molurus), which can reach lengths of over 19 feet, and the Burmese python (Python bivittatus), known to grow up to 23 feet. Another notable genus is Morelia, primarily found in Australia and New Guinea, which includes the arboreal green tree python (Morelia viridis) and various carpet pythons (Morelia spilota) recognized for their intricate patterns.
Smaller pythons are found within the genus Antaresia, which comprises the Australian dwarf pythons, including the pygmy python (Antaresia perthensis), a comparatively small species. The genus Aspidites, endemic to Australia, features species like the black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) and the woma (Aspidites ramsayi). These pythons are unique for their lack of heat-sensing pits, a feature common in most other pythons. The variety across these genera highlights the wide range of adaptations within the python family.
Where Pythons Live
Pythons are primarily distributed across the Old World tropics, inhabiting regions in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Australia. Their natural range extends from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and across New Guinea into Australia. These snakes thrive in a variety of environments, including dense tropical rainforests, savannas, grasslands, and desert or scrubland areas. Many species are also found near water sources and are capable swimmers.
The greatest diversity of python species is observed in the Australo-Papuan region, encompassing Australia and New Guinea. While most pythons are terrestrial, some species are arboreal, spending much of their lives in trees, and others are semi-aquatic.
Distinguishing Pythons from Other Snakes
Pythons are often confused with boas, as both are large constrictors. However, key biological differences distinguish the two families. A primary distinction lies in their reproductive methods: pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, with females often coiling around their clutch to incubate them. Boas, conversely, are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young after eggs hatch internally.
Geographically, pythons are largely restricted to the Old World, while most boas are native to the New World. Anatomically, pythons possess a premaxilla bone in their upper jaw that is equipped with teeth, a feature absent in boas. Additionally, pythons typically have two rows of scales under their tail, whereas boas have a single row.