Python reticulatus, also known as the Asiatic reticulated python or regal python, is a species of python found in Southeast Asia. Its length is 28 feet (8.7 m) are the world's longest snakes and longest reptile, but are not the most heavily built. Like all pythons, they are non-venomous constrictors and normally not considered dangerous to humans, even though large specimens are powerful enough to kill an adult and attacks are occasionally reported.
A brilliant swimmer, it has even been reported far out at sea and has consequently colonized many small islands within its range. The specific name is Latin meaning net-like, or reticulated, and is a reference to the complex color pattern.
Adults can grow to a length of more than 28.5 feet (8.7 m) and are the world's longest snakes. However, they are relatively slim for their length and are certainly not the most heavily built. The species Eunectes murinus, the green anaconda, may be larger. The largest individual ever accurately measured was Colossus, kept at the Pittsburgh Zoo during the 1950s, with a peak length of 28.5 feet. Numerous reports have been made of larger snakes, but since none of these have been measured by a scientist nor have the specimens been deposited at a museum, they must be regarded as unproven and probably erroneous. In spite of a standing offer of $50,000 for a live, healthy snake over 30 feet long by the New York Zoological Society, no attempt to claim this reward has ever been made.
Found in Southeast Asia from the Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, east through Indonesia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago and the Philippines.
