Blood Python (Python brongersmai)

Morphs

The blood python has different morphs. The most common ones are:

• 007
• Albino
• Aztec
• Batik
• Electrostatic
• Goldeneye
• Hypo
• Ivory
• Matrix
• Pied
• Pixel
• Pollen
• Stripe
• Sunder

Description

Size

The average length of the blood python is 48-72 inches (4-6 ft.), while it generally weighs about 130 lbs. (59 kg).

Color and Appearance

These snakes have stocky bodies with long, broad heads. Their coloration varies from dark brown to light yellow with bright red, rusty red, or reddish-orange color patterns on their bodies.

Their head is usually grey, but some may also have reddish or black. This coloration changes depending on the time of the day. For example, if they have pale-colored heads in the morning, they may change into a darker shade during the evening or the other way around.

Are they Dangerous

Blood pythons are non-venomous snakes with quite the temperament. They tend to get defensive and might attack even if nothing has been done to provoke them. This snake is also cage aggressive; when approached, it may hiss, nip, and sometimes even musk. Musking usually deters low-level threats that they do not consider dangerous enough.

They possess sharp, pointy teeth; their bite can cause several small puncture wounds. These snakes’ reflex makes the bite especially painful since they strike fast and holds on to their bite.

However, the snakes bred in captivity do not always show this temperament as they are socialized since they hatch.

Blood Python At a Glance

Distribution

The distribution of this species ranges across Bangka Island, Lingga Islands, Riau islands, Pinang, and other islands in the Strait of Malacca, in Thailand, as well as Sumatra in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Malay peninsula in south-east Asia.

Habitat

They prefer to inhabit marshes, tropical swamps, and forests.

Lifespan

Their average longevity is 20 years in the wild and 25-30 years in captivity.

Predators

While natural predators of the blood python are not exactly known, it can be assumed that large birds of prey hunt them.

Diet

Their diet consists of small mammals like rats and mice, and they occasionally consume small birds.

They are a constrictor species that hunts by wrapping around their prey to suffocate it until it dies.

Reproduction

The breeding season usually occurs from fall to winter. These are oviparous species which means they lay eggs. After 60-70 days of gestation, females lay up to 30 eggs. They coil around the eggs shivering their body to produce heat for incubation. The eggs hatch after 70-80 days of incubation; hatchlings measure about 12-18 inches.

Juveniles reach their reproductive maturity between 2-4 years old.

Similar Species

Borneo Short-Tail

The Borneo short-tail is another short-tailed python native to Borneo.

Sumatran Short-Tail

The Sumatran Short-Tail is also a short-tailed python native to Sumatra.

Care Sheet

Size of the Enclosure: Since it is a medium-sized snake, an enclosure measuring 4ft x 2ft x 2ft is enough.

Substrate: Either cypress mulch or orchid bark is suitable since these substrates can maintain humidity without causing mold.

Humidity: Humidity level should be between 60-70%.

Temperature: Around 80-85 ⁰F.

Lighting: There is no need for special UVB lights. Although if lights have been added to the enclosure, they are to be turned off each night for 12 hours to ensure the snake’s exposure to a proper day and night cycle.

Feeding: Juveniles need to be fed an appropriate portion of rodents every week; the rodent’s girth should be lesser than the snake’s. Adults can be fed every 10-14 days for large meals and weekly if the portion is smaller.