FaunaHub

Python (family Pythonidae)

ReptileSnakeConstrictor

Ball python (Python regius) coiled, showing its blotched pattern.

Ball python (Python regius).

Image: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Pythons are non-venomous constricting snakes of the family Pythonidae, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. The family includes some of the longest snakes in the world, such as the reticulated python, as well as smaller, widely recognised species. The animal shown here is the ball python (Python regius), a reference for this group-level overview.

Rather than venom, pythons rely on powerful coils to subdue prey by constriction. They are an Old World group; the superficially similar boas are a separate, largely New World family.

Conservation note: status varies by species — some pythons are widespread, while others face pressure from habitat loss and collection. Verify specifics at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Pythons occupy tropical and subtropical habitats including rainforest, savanna, grassland, scrub, and rocky areas across Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. Different species are ground-dwelling, arboreal, or semi-aquatic, reflecting the family's broad range.

Diet

Pythons are carnivores that ambush or stalk prey and kill by constriction — coiling around an animal and tightening until it can no longer breathe. They eat mammals and birds suited to their size, swallow prey whole, and can go long periods between meals.

Behavior

Most pythons are solitary and rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for prey. Unusually among snakes, females of many python species coil around their eggs and, in some, generate warmth by muscular shivering to help incubation. Activity patterns vary with species and climate.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Pythons are widely kept and studied, and some species are affected by habitat loss and collection. In a few regions, pythons introduced outside their native range have become invasive and are managed as such. For current, species-specific status and regional context, consult authoritative sources.

More photos of the python

Close view of a ball python's head.

Ball python (Python regius), head detail.

Image: Holger Krisp, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Python

Are pythons venomous?
No. Pythons are non-venomous. They subdue prey by constriction — coiling around it and tightening — rather than by injecting venom. They are not a venom threat, though large individuals are powerful animals and should be treated with respect.
What is the difference between a python and a boa?
Both are large constrictors, but they belong to separate families and differ in distribution and reproduction. Pythons (Pythonidae) are an Old World group and most lay eggs, while boas (Boidae) are largely found in the Americas and typically give birth to live young.
How big do pythons get?
It varies widely by species. Some pythons are relatively small, while the reticulated python is among the longest snakes in the world. Exact sizes depend on species, age, and conditions.
What do pythons eat?
Pythons are carnivores that eat mammals and birds appropriate to their size, swallowing prey whole. Larger species can take correspondingly larger prey and may go weeks or longer between meals.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.