Pythons (Family Pythonidae): South-east Queensland

Pythons are non-venomous, with large, backward-curving solid teeth. Pythons kill their prey by constriction, suffocating them with ever-tightening coils. Most find prey through heat-sensory pits along the lower lips. These can detect temperature changes of less than one-thirtieth of a degree. Pythons can be distinguished from all other Australian land snakes by their numerous rows of mid-body scales (35 or more vs 24 or less, in other species). Pythons occur in temperate to tropical areas of Australia. They are also found through Asia to Africa. Australia supports 14 species. Only two occur in Brisbane.

Image	Common Name	Scientific Name	Bite
	Spotted Python	Antaresia maculosa	harmless
	Carpet Python	Morelia spilota	non-venomous bite causes lacerations