Python reticulatus, also known as the (Asiatic) reticulated python, is a speciesof python found in Southeast Asia. Adults can grow to 6.95 m in length but normally grow to an average of 3–6 m. They are the world’s longest snakes and longest reptile, but are not the most heavily built. Like all pythons, they are nonvenomous constrictors and normally not considered dangerous to humans. Although large specimens are powerful enough to kill an adult human, attacks are only occasionally reported.
An excellent swimmer, Python reticulatus has been reported far out at sea and has colonized many small islands within its range. The specific name, reticulatus, is Latinmeaning “net-like”, or reticulated, and is a reference to the complex color pattern.
Attacks on humans are rare, but this species has been responsible for several human fatalities, in both the wild and captivity. They are among the few snakes that have been suggested to prey on humans. However, there are few authenticated cases of a snake species consuming human beings.
Considering the known maximum prey size, it is technically possible for a full-grown specimen of Python reticulatus to open its jaws wide enough to swallow a human teenager, but the width of the shoulders of adult Homo sapiens would likely pose a problem for even a snake with sufficient size.
