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Top 10 Largest Australian Pythons

Rank	Python Species	Size	Distribution	Description
1	Australian Scrub Python (Simalia kinghorni)	Up to 8.5 meters (28 feet)	Queensland	Largest Australian python, with iridescent scales; preys on larger animals like wallabies.
2	Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus)	2 to 4 meters (6.5 to 13 feet)	Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia	Second-largest python in Australia, often found near water, with an olive-green color.
3	Coastal Carpet Python (Morelia spilota mcdowelli)	Up to 4 meters (13 feet)	NSW, Queensland	One of the largest carpet python subspecies; common in coastal forests and urban areas.
4	Northwestern Carpet Python (Morelia spilota variegata)	Up to 3 meters (10 feet)	NT, Qld, WA	Adapted to tropical and savannah climates with pale and dark patterning.
5	Inland Carpet Python (Morelia spilota metcalfei)	Up to 3 meters (10 feet)	NSW, NT, SA, Vic	Characterized by cream and brown coloration; well-suited to rocky inland areas.
6	Diamond Python (Morelia spilota spilota)	Up to 3 meters (10 feet)	NSW, Vic	Known for its diamond-shaped pattern; found in forests in southeastern Australia.
7	Southwestern Carpet Python (Morelia imbricata)	2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet)	WA, SA	Common in temperate forests; pale brown to olive-green color.
8	Woma Python (Aspidites ramsayi)	1.5 to 2.3 meters (4.9 to 7.5 feet)	NSW, NT, Qld, SA, WA	Has an orange head and tan body with darker bands; adapted to various arid habitats.
9	Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus)	1.5 to 2 meters, up to 3.5 meters (11 feet)	Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia	Distinctive black head; often preys on other reptiles, including venomous snakes.
10	Centralian Carpet Python (Morelia bredli)	2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet)	NT (Central Australia)	Found in rocky areas of Central Australia; notable for its reddish coloration.

Pythonidae

The family of snakes known as Pythonidae, or more commonly, pythons, is made up of non-venomous species found in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. Notably, Burmese pythons have established invasive populations in Florida’s Everglades, while reticulated pythons have made their presence known in Puerto Rico. This reptile group includes some of the world’s most gigantic serpents. Scientists have identified ten genera and 39 species within this family. Pythons, lacking venom, rely on constriction to overpower their prey, inducing cardiac arrest before they feast. Typically, a python will strike and latch onto its prey, then wrap its powerful, muscular body around the victim, suffocating it before swallowing it whole.

This behaviour starkly contrasts with venomous species like the Brown Snake, which delivers a quick bite, releases, and waits for its prey to succumb to the venom before dining.

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Nature’s Perfect Predators

As ambush predators, they primarily capture and kill by constriction, leading to cardiac arrest in their prey.

Feeding

Most Australian species possess heat-sensing pits along their lips, allowing them to detect warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness. The exception to this rule is the specialised Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus) known for hunting and eating other snakes, including venomous species. Native to northern and central Australia, this python is distinguished by its black head and muscular body. Unlike most other pythons, the Black-headed Python has reduced heat-sensing pits, likely an adaptation to its diet, which often includes reptiles rather than mammals.

Another related species, the Woma Python (Aspidites ramsayi), also preys on other snakes, along with small mammals and birds. Both species are skilled hunters that have adapted to prey on a wide range of animals, including other snakes, which they subdue by constriction. This predatory behavior contributes to their role in controlling populations of other reptiles in Australian ecosystems.

Interestingly, all pythons except for the adults in the Australian genus Aspidites have premaxillary teeth. These snakes are equipped with sharp, backward-curving teeth – four rows in the top jaw and two in the bottom – which they use to seize their prey. Once an animal is caught, the python employs its powerful coils to envelop and constrict its victim. This process primarily induces death through heart attack, rather than through crushing, even among the larger species like the reticulated python.

Larger pythons typically consume creatures roughly the size of a household cat. But have been known to tackle larger meals; some of the bigger Asian species, for instance, have been documented capturing adult deer. The Central African rock python, or Python sebae, has even been observed preying on antelope. Notably, the reticulated python stands out as the sole species of python that occasionally preys on humans, particularly in its native environment in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Once prey is captured, it is swallowed whole, and the digestive process can stretch over several days or even weeks. Large Australian pythons have been seen eating wallabies in shopping center carparks!

Breeding

Unlike their cousins in the Boidae family (boas), which mostly give birth to live young, pythons lay eggs. A unique aspect of their reproductive behaviour is the way the females diligently incubate their eggs until they hatch.

Incubation involves a peculiar method where the female python engages in muscle contractions akin to shivering. Such activity generates heat, thereby elevating her body temperature and consequently that of the eggs.

Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for the embryos’ healthy development. Throughout the incubation phase, the devoted female abstains from eating and only occasionally ventures out to bask in the sun, which helps to elevate her body warmth.

This meticulous care ensures the survival and well-being of the next generation of these remarkable reptiles.

Pythons As Pets

Although many python species are popular in the exotic pet trade, caution is advised, especially with larger species due to their potential danger.

It’s paramount to approach the larger varieties with a hefty dose of caution. These sizeable creatures harbour potential dangers and there have been infrequent but documented instances where such impressive specimens have caused the demise of their caretakers. So, while they might seem like perfect low-maintenance companions, their ownership requires meticulous care and responsibility.

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The global trade in pythons is worth billions, as they are hunted for their meat and skin. They can carry diseases like salmonella and leptospirosis, which pose a risk of transmission to humans. In African traditional medicine, pythons are used to treat ailments such as rheumatism and mental disorders, with their body parts believed to possess various healing properties. In Australia and some African cultures, pythons hold significant roles in folklore and mythology, often symbolising strength or being revered as sacred creatures.

Australian Pythons

Australia has 15 recognised species of pythons across several genera, including Antaresia, Aspidites, Liasis, Morelia, Simalia and Nyctophilopython.

• Antaresia – Includes species like the Children’s Python, Spotted Python, Stimson’s Python, and Pygmy Python.
• Aspidites – Contains the Black-headed Python and Woma Python, known for their lack of heat-sensing pits.
• Liasis – Includes the Olive Python and the Water Python.
• Morelia – Features a variety of Carpet Pythons, including the Jungle, Coastal, Diamond, and Inland Carpet Python.
• Simalia – Includes the large Australian Scrub Python.
• Nyctophilopython – The Oenpelli Python, a rare species found only in the NT.

These serpents, celebrated for their impressive size and distinctive patterns, have evolved to flourish across the continent’s varied environments. From the lush rainforests and coastal areas to the arid deserts and expansive grasslands, Australian pythons have carved out niches in a multitude of habitats.

Differing significantly from their venomous counterparts, our pythons are non-venomous constrictors. They depend on sheer power and stealth to ensnare their prey, playing a central role in preserving the ecological equilibrium.

Australian Pythons by State and Habitat

State/Territory	Python Species	Habitat	Description
NSW, NT, Qld, SA, WA	Children’s Python	Rocky areas, woodlands	Small, nocturnal python known for its easy-going nature; popular as a pet.
WA	Pygmy Python	Rocky outcrops	Australia’s smallest python, reddish-brown with pale spots; adapted to rocky terrain.
Eastern Qld, far northern NSW	Spotted Python	Forests, rocky areas	Cream-yellow background with dark blotches; commonly kept in the pet trade.
WA	Stimson’s Python	Arid regions, rocky areas	Distinctive blotched pattern; lacks prominent heat-sensing pits.
NT, Qld, WA	Black-headed Python	Savannahs, woodlands	Named for its black head; non-venomous and commonly mistaken for venomous snakes.
NSW, NT, Qld, SA, WA	Woma Python	Arid and semi-arid zones	Orange head with tan body and dark bands; adapted to various arid environments.
Northern Qld	White-lipped Python	Tropical forests	Iridescent scales with pale-colored lips; glossy appearance.
NT, Qld, WA	Australian Olive Python	Near water sources, rocky areas	Large python with olive-green coloration; often found near water.
WA (Pilbara region)	Pilbara Olive Python	Rocky outcrops	A subspecies of the Olive Python, adapted to Pilbara’s rocky environment.
NT	Centralian Carpet Python	Rocky outcrops, woodlands	Reddish coloration with complex patterns; thrives in Central Australia’s arid regions.
WA	Rough-scaled Python	Forests	Characterised by rough, keeled scales; gives it a unique texture.
WA, SA	Southwestern Carpet Python	Temperate forests	Pale brown to olive-green color; commonly found in southwestern woodlands.
Qld	Jungle Carpet Python	Tropical rainforests	Yellow and black patterned python; popular in the pet trade for its striking coloration.
NSW, Qld	Coastal Carpet Python	Coastal forests, urban areas	Olive-brown color with irregular blotches; commonly found near urban areas.
NSW, NT, SA, Vic	Inland Carpet Python	Rocky inland areas	Cream and brown coloration; adaptable to various inland habitats.
NSW, Vic	Diamond Python	Forests, woodlands	Distinct diamond-shaped pattern; commonly black with yellow or cream markings.
NT, Qld, WA	Northwestern Carpet Python	Tropical and savannah areas	Pale and dark patterns; well-adapted to tropical and savannah climates.
Northern Qld	Green Tree Python	Tropical rainforests	Bright green with blue or white spots; known for its thick body and arboreal habits.
NT (Arnhem Land)	Oenpelli Rock Python	Rocky areas	Large and rare python with unique head structure; grey to brown color.
Qld	Australian Scrub Python	Rainforests	Australia’s largest python, reaching up to 8.5 m; iridescent scales and robust build.

Living Rainbows

Australian pythons display some of the most spectacular colour variations in the snake world. The Green Tree Python undergoes a remarkable transformation, changing from bright yellow or red as a juvenile to emerald green as an adult. Carpet Pythons exhibit endless variations of patterns and colors, from the elegant black and gold of jungle specimens to the subtle olive and brown of inland forms.

Urban Adaptations

While many of Australia’s unique creatures struggle with urbanisation, several python species have proven remarkably adaptable to human presence. Carpet Pythons in particular have become familiar residents in suburban areas, where they help control pest populations. Their non-venomous nature and generally calm disposition have helped foster positive relationships with human neighbours.

Conservation Challenges

Despite their adaptability, Australian pythons face habitat loss that continues to fragment populations, while road mortality takes a significant toll. The Woma Python, once common across much of arid Australia, has disappeared from many areas.

Climate change poses new threats, potentially disrupting the delicate balance these animals have achieved over millions of years of evolution.

Cultural Significance

These serpents hold a special place in Aboriginal culture, featuring in numerous Dreamtime stories. Traditional knowledge about pythons has helped inform modern understanding of their behavior and ecology. Today, they continue to capture public imagination, starring in nature documentaries and helping to educate people about the importance of snake conservation.

The Future

As Australia grapples with environmental challenges, pythons may prove to be important indicators of ecosystem health.

Their position as top predators makes them valuable barometers of environmental change. Conservation efforts are increasingly focusing on protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats, recognising their vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Australian pythons represent a remarkable evolutionary success story. From the tiny Pygmy Python to the massive Scrub Python, they demonstrate the incredible diversity that can arise when nature is given time to experiment. As we face an uncertain environmental future, these adaptable and resilient animals may yet have much to teach us about survival and adaptation in a changing world.