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Mike Dorcas
Burmese Python
Python molarus bivittatus
Description: Burmese pythons are light colored with many dark brown blotches bordered in black down the back. Burmese pythons are commonly sold in the exotic pet trade. The captive-bred albino form is white with patterns in butterscotch yellow and burnt orange. Typically grows 18-33 ft. in length and weighs 200-300 lbs. They are constrictors.
Habitat: It lives in grasslands, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, jungles and river valleys, and requires a permanent water source.
Distribution: Found throughout southeast Asia including Myanmar (formerly called Burma, their namesake), Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia.
Status: This species is now fairly commonly found in the Everglades as a result of pet releases and there is evidence that they are reproducing there on their own. To combat this problem, the state of Florida recently enacted legislation that will require pet owners to register and microchip their snakes, in order to deter such releases.
Resources: NAS Python molruus bivittatus fact sheet
Burmese Python (Wikipedia)
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