CreatureData

Burmese python vs Lesser African python

The lesser African python is heavier: 73 kg against 17.1 kg for the burmese python, about 4.3 times the weight.

Burmese python (Python bivittatus)
Burmese python VUVulnerable
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

No freely licensed photo yet

Lesser African python

What is the difference between a burmese python and a lesser African python?

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

  • The lesser African python is heavier: 73 kg against 17.1 kg for the burmese python, about 4.3 times the weight.
  • The burmese python is longer-lived: 34.2 years against 30 years for the lesser African python, about 14% longer.
  • Both belong to the genus Python, so they are close relatives.

Side by side

Burmese pythonLesser African python
Scientific namePython bivittatusPython natalensis
FamilyPythonidaePythonidae
OrderSquamataSquamata
Weight17.1 kg73 kg
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan34.2 years – 34.2 years27.3 years – 30 years
Main foodNot recordedNot recorded
HabitatNot recordedNot recorded
Conservation statusVulnerableNot recorded
Countries recordedNot recordedNot recorded

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

Full record: Burmese pythonFull record: Lesser African pythonCompare other animals