Blood Python

Southeast Asia Snakes

Snakes ~ Other Snakes ~ Blood Python

The blood python is a rather stout but attractive species, occuring in Thailand all the way down to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. This semi-aquatic python occurs in lowland rainforest in the vicinity of natural streams, rivers, lakes and even the canals of some oil palm plantations. The colour is highly variable and ranges from dark red to orange yellow. The dorsal area is marked with a row of ill-defined yellowish spots that may occur as a complete stripe in some individuals. The flanks are greyish with mottled orange patches white the tail tip is dark in colour.

This species feeds on fish, frogs, small mammals and anything it can catch in the wild. Unlike most other snake species, neonates feed at once and do not shed until a few months later. Juveniles are also brown in colouration and do not develop different shades until sub-adulthood. The blood python is widely sought-after in the fashion industry for its beautiful skin. Other types of blood pythons occur in different parts of Southeast Asia, such as Borneo, Sumatra and Java, forming different species.