The History of Reticulated Pythons: From Discovery to Morphs
Hi everyone,
We thought it would be a good idea to give some background on reticulated pythons (retics). We will go over some history, distribution, evolution and some general information on retics. The best place to start before buying a reticulated python is to do your research and gain some knowledge on their past and that way you can plan your own future with them in mind.
The Beginning
The reticulated python was first described in 1801 by German naturalist Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider, who named it Boa reticulata based on two specimens from the Göttingen Museum. Later, it was moved to the genus Python, and then to Broghammerus in 2004, based on genetic and morphological evidence. The scientific name is now Malayopython reticulatus, reflecting its close relationship with the Lesser Sunda python (Malayopython timoriensis).
The reticulated python belongs to the family Pythonidae, which includes about 40 species of non-venomous constrictors native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. The reticulated python is found in South and Southeast Asia, from India and Bangladesh to Indonesia and the Philippines. It inhabits a variety of habitats, from rainforests and woodlands to grasslands and urban areas. It is an excellent swimmer and can colonize many small islands within its range.
The size and Diet
The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world, regularly reaching over 6 metres in length. The longest recorded specimen was 10 metres long, found in 1912 in Indonesia. However, such massive retics are not ordinary occurances and most reticulated pythons are between 3 to 5 metres long. They hatch at about less than 100cm long and grow quickly throughout their lives.
The reticulated python is also one of the heaviest snakes in the world, weighing up to 160 kilograms. It has a powerful muscular body that allows it to constrict and kill prey of various sizes. The reticulated python feeds on a variety of animals, from rodents to birds to deer and pigs. It can even swallow humans, although such cases are extremely rare. The reticulated python has a slow metabolism and can go for months without eating, after a large meal.
Breeding and Morphs
The reticulated python has a complex color pattern that consists of black, yellow, brown, and white scales arranged in a net-like or diamond-shaped design. The pattern helps the snake camouflage in its natural environment and also makes it attractive to snake lovers. However, some people have selectively bred reticulated pythons to produce different color variations or morphs, such as albino, caramel, tiger, platinum, sunfire, and many more. These morphs are highly sought after by collectors and breeders who appreciate their beauty and rarity
The reticulated python is an oviparous snake, meaning it lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. The female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time, which she coils around and incubates for about three months. The eggs hatch into baby pythons that are independent from birth. The reticulated python can live for over 20 years in captivity if given proper care and husbandry
Cold Blooded Coils and Reticulated Pythons
At Cold Blooded Coils we breed and work exclusively with reticulated pythons. Personally, the team own different reptiles and animals but the business is reserved for extensive work with these amazing creatures. So we exclusively sell reticulated pythons in the UK but are trying to extend our network in Europe with other breeders and open up a wider array of breeders and morphs. We hope to pursue numerous projects in the coming years and hope you will all join in our journey with retics.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope it has been informative and helpful with your own journey and if you ever wish to reach out please don’t hesitate to email, use our contact form or through social media messenger. We are always happy to hear from you all.
We sell our reticulated pythons in the UK but are always looking further afield and if you ever interested in reaching out to start a project or want to discuss import/export, we would love to have that chat.
Thank you,
Cold Blooded Coils
References:
Reticulated Python - Wikipedia
What is the biggest snake in the world? | Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk)
Reticulated python | Meet Our Animals | Chester Zoo Reptiles
Welcome to the International Herpetological Society (ihs-web.org.uk)
