Python

Pythons are nonvenomous snakes found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are regarded as Old World snakes because they are not native to North or South America. The term "python" can be used to describe either the Pythonidae family or the genus Python that is a member of that family. According to the Reptile Database, the family Pythonidae has 41 different species of python.

The size and color of the many python species vary greatly. Coloration can vary from intricately patterned scales (like those on the Burmese python, the ball python, and many other species) to solid brown (leiopythons), to bright green (the green tree python), depending on their local habitats and need for camouflage, but scientists have identified some more subtle physical similarities. Pythons are lethargic animals that are almost always actually latent. They typically sleep for up to 18 hours a day and lose energy quickly. They spend more time resting while processing food, which happens once a week when they feed. They may also rest for seven days to prepare for shedding, which is quite energy-demanding.