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Burmese Python 'Labyrinth'
Python bivittatus "Labyrinth"
An awe-inspiring captive-bred morph of the giant Burmese Python. It proudly displays an intricate, dizzying maze-like pattern across its massive body.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Pythonidae
Genus:Python
Species:Python bivittatus "Labyrinth"
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 70 %
Day temperature
24 - 35 °C
Night temperature
24 - 27 °C
Adult size
500 cm
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The wild Burmese Python is native to the tropical rainforests, swamps, and humid grasslands of Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia). The "Labyrinth" morph is a genetic mutation established in captivity. These reptiles prefer areas close to water and dense vegetation, as they are exceptional swimmers capable of staying submerged for extended periods.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Pythonidae, genus Python, species Python bivittatus. The "Labyrinth" morph is characterized by a recessive genetic mutation that alters the wild-type pattern. Instead of classic blotched saddles, the markings melt into a complex network of lines and concentric circles resembling a maze, with sharp borders and highly contrasting colors.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, especially as adults. Although juveniles display semi-arboreal habits, adults become strictly terrestrial due to their heavy build. They generally have a docile temperament if handled regularly from a young age, but they possess a powerful, opportunistic feeding response that demands extreme caution.
Morphology: One of the largest snakes in the world, capable of reaching lengths between 3.5 and 5 meters (11-16 feet), with weights exceeding 50-70 kg in mature females, which are significantly larger than males. The body is thick and highly muscular. The head is distinct from the neck and features heat-sensing pits along the upper lip to locate warm-blooded prey.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Due to its massive adult size, a giant enclosure is required, measuring at least 250x100x100 cm (8x3.3x3.3 feet) for adults, constructed of heavy-duty materials like PVC or sealed wood. Substrates can be coconut fiber or cypress mulch (avoid cedar, which is toxic). A large water basin big enough for the snake to fully submerge is mandatory.
Lighting and Heating: Does not require intense UVB lighting, but a 12-hour light cycle is recommended. Heating must be supplied using radiant heat panels or ceramic heat emitters protected by wire cages to prevent burns. Maintain a thermal gradient of 32-33°C (90-91°F) at the warm end and 26-27°C (78-80°F) at the cool end, with nights not dropping below 24°C (75°F).
Humidity and Hydration: Humidity must be kept high, between 60% and 75%, and increased to 80-85% during shedding cycles to assist in complete sloughing. This is achieved by regular misting of the substrate or providing a humid hide filled with moist sphagnum moss. Water in the basin must be changed frequently.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly carnivorous. Juveniles eat appropriately sized mice and rats. Adults require very large prey items like jumbo rats, rabbits, or chickens. Feeding frequency ranges from weekly for juveniles to once every 2-4 weeks for adults. Dietary supplements are not necessary if fed whole, healthy prey.
Compatibility: A strictly solitary animal. Should never be housed with other snakes to prevent stress and mutual injury. Additionally, because of their enormous size and constricting power, cleaning and handling of adult specimens should always be performed with a second person present for safety.
Health and Common Diseases: Common illnesses include Respiratory Infections (RI), caused by drafts or too low temperatures, and scale rot (dermatitis) from wet, dirty substrate. Other issues include retained sheds (dysecdysis) and obesity, which is common in captivity if the snake is overfed.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The wild Burmese Python is native to the tropical rainforests, swamps, and humid grasslands of Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia). The "Labyrinth" morph is a genetic mutation established in captivity. These reptiles prefer areas close to water and dense vegetation, as they are exceptional swimmers capable of staying submerged for extended periods.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsNorth AmericaSouth and Southeast Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 500 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 500 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 500 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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