Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Burmese Python

Python bivittatus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The Burmese python is a large Asian constrictor with dark blotches. Introduced populations in southern Florida prey on native wildlife.

Python bivittatus (burmese python)

Shadow Ayush · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Native to southern and southeastern Asia, Burmese pythons are also established in southern Florida. There they use wetlands, wooded islands and waterways.
Habitat
Wetlands, Grassland, Rainforest, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Mammals and birds form most meals, with reptiles sometimes taken.

Classification

Common name
Burmese Python
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Python bivittatus
Taxon rank
species
Family
Pythonidae
Genus
Python
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is non-venomous.
  • Facial pits detect heat from prey.
  • Females remain coiled around their eggs.

Habitat and range

Native to southern and southeastern Asia, Burmese pythons are also established in southern Florida. There they use wetlands, wooded islands and waterways.

Appearance and adaptations

Dark, black-edged blotches mark a pale background. The head carries a dark spearhead-like pattern, and heat-sensitive pits line the upper lip.

Diet and behaviour

Mammals and birds form most meals, with reptiles sometimes taken. It subdues prey by constriction and swallows it whole. Hidden resting places make it difficult to detect in vegetation.

Sources

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