Reticulated python
| Reticulated python Temporal range: Pleistocene to recent
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Malayopython |
| Species: | M. reticulatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Malayopython reticulatus (Schneider, 1801)
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| Range of the reticulated python | |
| Synonyms | |
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List
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The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is a python species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world's longest snake, and the third heaviest after the green anaconda and Burmese python. It is a non-venomous constrictor and an excellent swimmer that has been reported far out at sea. It has colonized many small islands within its range. Because of its wide distribution, it is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. In several countries in its range, it is hunted for its skin, for use in traditional medicine, and for sale as pets. Due to this, it is one of the most economically important reptiles worldwide. Adult humans have been killed (and in at least eight reported cases, eaten) by reticulated pythons in the wild, mainly on Sulawesi.