The post The Science Behind How the Reticulated Python Shimmers Like a Rainbow appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

• Reticulated pythons are known for their iridescent scales which reflect colors in the light.

• These snakes are native to South and Southeast Asia in countries such as India, Myanmar, and Thailand.

• The vibrant iridescence is due to the structural features of the scales, which have layers, ridges, and guanine crystals.

• For an appearance as vivid as the snake in the video, selective breeding that focuses on scale texture and pattern is needed.

Snakes come in all different patterns and colors. With so many habitats, they have evolved to camouflage in with a diverse range of environments. One snake that sticks out amongst the rest due to its unique coloring is the reticulated python. These pythons have iridescent scales that shimmer like a rainbow in the light. An Instagram post by @jayprehistoricpets shows one of these beautiful snakes. Keep reading here to learn more about the reticulated python.

About the Reticulated Python

The reticulated python is famous for its iridescent scales that shimmer like a rainbow under bright light. These snakes are native to South and Southeast Asia in countries such as India, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines. Some of their habitats include rainforests and woodlands, often near bodies of water. They are excellent swimmers and are often seen crossing waterways. Reticulated pythons are some of the longest snakes in the world; adults commonly grow between 10 to 16 feet long, with some individuals exceeding 20 feet.

Like other python species, they are non-venomous constrictors. So instead of relying on paralyzing their prey, they are experts at the art of “wrap and squeeze.” The reticulated python’s diet includes rodents and some larger mammals like deer. Thanks to their incredible size, they can hunt large animals, making them dangerous. Not only are they powerful hunters, but they are also defensive. Because they can be quite cautious of others in their space, these snakes are not good pets for beginners.

What Makes Them Rainbow?

Reticulated pythons have iridescent scales, which shimmer vividly in the light. These scales reflect light in a strange way, as the angle causes the colors to change. The iridescence is due to the structural features of the scales, which have layers, ridges, and guanine crystals. Guanine crystals are also found in fish scales and are highly refractive, meaning they reflect light strongly. While there are multiple theories to explain why they evolved this way, one strong reason is camouflage. While it may seem like their colorful shine would make them stand out, the iridescence may help to blur the snake’s outline from other animals’ perspectives, making them more difficult to see, especially in dense environments like rainforests.

Regarding the python in the video above, the reason for the bright rainbow colors is more likely due to selective breeding. While it’s true that all reticulated pythons have a certain degree of iridescence, snakes occurring in nature are not often this intense. For an appearance this vivid, selective breeding that focuses on scale texture and pattern is needed. While selective breeding can enhance certain traits, reticulated pythons, especially specific morphs like the Motley Golden Child, can naturally display strong iridescence without human intervention.

The post The Science Behind How the Reticulated Python Shimmers Like a Rainbow appeared first on A-Z Animals.