CreatureData

Ball python vs Burmese python

The burmese python is heavier: 17.1 kg against 5.05 kg for the ball python, about 3.4 times the weight.

Ball python (Python regius)
Ball python NTNear Threatened
Photo: HCA ( talk ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Burmese python (Python bivittatus)
Burmese python VUVulnerable
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a ball python and a burmese python?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The burmese python is heavier: 17.1 kg against 5.05 kg for the ball python, about 3.4 times the weight.
  • The ball python is longer-lived: 47.5 years against 34.2 years for the burmese python, about 39% longer.
  • Both belong to the genus Python, so they are close relatives.
  • The ball python is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; the burmese python is Vulnerable.

Side by side

Ball pythonBurmese python
Scientific namePython regiusPython bivittatus
FamilyPythonidaePythonidae
OrderSquamataSquamata
Weight1.24 kg – 8.86 kg17.1 kg
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan47.4 years – 47.5 years34.2 years – 34.2 years
Main foodNot recordedNot recorded
Habitatforest, grassland, shrublandNot recorded
Conservation statusNear ThreatenedVulnerable
Countries recordedNot recordedNot recorded

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: Ball pythonFull record: Burmese pythonCompare other animals