Burmese Pythons (Python bivittatus) are one of the largest snakes in the world, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters). They are native to Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to many other parts of the world through the pet trade. Burmese pythons are considered to be a serious invasive species in many areas, as they pose a threat to native wildlife.
Burmese pythons are large snakes with brown or olive-colored skin and dark blotches along their bodies. Adults can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters), although most individuals are between 10 and 15 feet (3-4.5 meters) long. Females are typically larger than males. These snakes have heat-sensing pits on their faces that help them locate prey. Burmese pythons typically live for 20-30 years in captivity, but only 10-20 years in the wild.
The natural range of Burmese pythons includes Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China. These snakes prefer habitats near water, such as swamps, marshes, and rivers. They are good swimmers and often hide in water when threatened. Burmese pythons are largely nocturnal animals that hunt primarily at night. Their diet consists mainly of mammals such as rodents and deer, although they will also eat birds and reptiles.
Burmese pythons reproduce by laying eggs; a typical clutch contains anywhere from 10-100 eggs depending on the size of the female snake. The female coils around her eggs to keep them warm during incubation which takes about 60 days; she does not eat during this time period. After hatching, young snakes must fend for themselves; however parents may provide some shelter if available nearby until their offspring reach maturity at 3-4 years old .
Mating season for these snakes typically occurs between March and May followed by egg laying in June or July . During mating season male snakes will chase after females while emitting a loud hissing noise; sometimes multiple males will compete for a single female . After copulation , which may last several hours ,the male leaves while the female stays with her clutch until they hatch . There is little parental care given to young once they leave the nest , however mothers have been known to protect their young from predators if necessary . If conditions are favorable ,a female python may produce 2 – 3 clutches per year