Pythonidae: Difference between revisions

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The '''Pythonidae''', commonly known as '''pythons''', are a [[Family (biology)|family]] of [[Venomous snake|nonvenomous]] <!-- (though see the section "Toxins" below) --> [[snake]]s found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the world. Ten [[Genus|genera]] and 39 [[species]] are currently recognized. Being naturally non-venomous, pythons must constrict their prey to induce cardiac arrest prior to consumption. Pythons will typically strike at and bite their prey of choice to gain hold of it; they then must use physical strength to constrict their prey, by coiling their muscular bodies around the animal, effectively suffocating it before swallowing whole. This is in stark contrast to venomous snakes such as the [[rattlesnake]], for example, which delivers a swift, venomous bite but releases, waiting as the prey succumbs to [[envenomation]] before being consumed. Collectively, the pythons are well-documented and studied as constrictors, much like other non-venomous snakes, including the [[Boidae|boas]] and even [[kingsnakes]] of the New World.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=563893 |taxon=Pythonidae |access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

Pythons are indigenous to the Old World Tropics, including sub-Saharan Africa, thetropical Indianto Subcontinent, Southeastsubtropical Asia, and Australia, with invasive populations of Burmese pythons in [[Everglades National Park]], Florida and reticulated pythons in Puerto Rico.{{cn}} Pythons are ambush predators that primarily kill prey by constriction, causing cardiac arrest. Pythons are oviparous, laying eggs that females incubate until they hatch. They possess premaxillary teeth, with the exception of adults in the Australian genus ''Aspidites''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/191269/1/03_vertebrate_zoology_70_3_2020_Georgalis_et_Smith.pdf |title=Constrictores Oppel, 1811 – the available name for the taxonomic group uniting boas and pythons |access-date=2020-12-12 |archivedate=2020-12-12 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212102353/https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/191269/1/03_vertebrate_zoology_70_3_2020_Georgalis_et_Smith.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | pmc=5108151 | date=2016 | last1=Palci | first1=A. | last2=Lee | first2=M. S. | last3=Hutchinson | first3=M. N. | title=Patterns of postnatal ontogeny of the skull and lower jaw of snakes as revealed by micro-CT scan data and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics | journal=Journal of Anatomy | volume=229 | issue=6 | pages=723–754 | doi=10.1111/joa.12509 | pmid=27329823 }}</ref> While many species are available in the exotic pet trade, caution is needed with larger species due to potential danger. The taxonomy of pythons has evolved, and they are now known to be more closely related to sunbeam snakes and the Mexican burrowing python. {{cn|date=January 2025}}

Pythons are poached for their meat and skin, leading to a billion-dollar global trade. They can carry diseases, such as salmonella and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans. Pythons are also used in African traditional medicine to treat ailments like rheumatism and mental illnesses. Their body parts, including blood and organs, are believed to have various healing properties. In some African cultures, pythons have significant roles in folklore and mythology, often symbolizing strength or having sacred status.