snakes text index | photo index
Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > Class Reptilia > shore snakes
Reticulated python
Broghammerus reticulatus
Family Pythonidae
updated Oct 2016
Where seen? This enormous but beautiful snake is among the most commonly sighted snakes in Singapore. According to Baker, it is found in almost all habitats from forest to mangroves and also in urban areas. From sea level up to 1,000m. Elsewhere also near rivers. It is common throughout Southeast Asia. It was previously known as Python reticulatus. According to Catalogue of Life 20 Jan 2014 its scientific name is Broghammerus reticulatus. According to EcologyAsia, its scientific name is Malayopython reticulatus.

Features: To about 10m long, but those we might see are usually much shorter and rarely exceed 5m. Among the longest snakes in the world, this powerfully muscled snake is non-venomous and kills by constricting its victims in its coils. Large adults can be dangerous to humans. Even though it is non-venomous, it can give a nasty lacerating bite with its powerful jaws filled with sharp long fangs. Don't disturb a python. It has a pretty net-like pattern ('reticulatus' means 'net-like') and scales that are iridescent in sunlight.

What does it eat? It hunts small warm-blooded animals and has pits on the upper lip to detect its prey. It is said to eat nearly anything it can catch from mice, rats to deer and pigs. A good climber, even tree dwellers are not safe from it. It is also an excellent swimmer. It is considered a pest on poultry farms. It is mainly nocturnal.

Python babies: Mama snake lays many eggs (124 is the record) and incubates them for three months. The babies look just like their parents.

Status and threats: The snake is considered common and are not listed among the threatened animals of Singapore. However, like other creatures of the shores, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, May 02

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, May 02

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, May 02

Reticulated pythons on Singapore shores

Photos of Reticulated pythons for free download from wildsingapore flickr

Distribution in Singapore on this wildsingapore flickr map

Links References
  • Lim, Kelvin K. P. & Francis L K Lim, 1992. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of SingaporeSingapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Baker, Nick and Kelvin Lim. 2008. Wild Animals of Singapore: A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society (Singapore). 180 pp.
  • Stuebing, Robert B and Robert F. Inger. 1999. A Field Guide to the Snakes of Borneo Natural History Publications (Borneo). 254 pp.
  • Cox, Merel J., Peter Paul van Dijk, Jarujin Nabhitabhata and Kumthorn Thirakhupt. 1998. A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore New Holland. pp 144.
www.flickr.com
FREE photos of snakes. Make your own badge here.
links | references | about | email Ria
Spot errors? Have a question? Want to share your sightings? email Ria I'll be glad to hear from you!
wildfactsheets website©ria tan 2008