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Burmese python vs Komodo dragon

Burmese python vs Komodo dragon
Komodo dragon is larger on weight
Komodo dragon is somewhat greater than Burmese python on weight — about 1.2×.

A Burmese python and a Komodo dragon can be compared on 3 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

Side by side

Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.
Burmese python Komodo dragon
Weight 20–182 kg 40–166 kg
Length 2.5–5.7 m 2–3.13 m
Typical lifespan 15–28 yr 25–35 yr

What the numbers say

  • Komodo dragon is somewhat greater than Burmese python on weight — about 1.2×.
  • Burmese python is 1.6× Komodo dragon on length.
  • Komodo dragon is 1.5× Burmese python on typical lifespan.

Weight compared.

Komodo dragon 40–166 kg
Burmese python 20–182 kg

Burmese python

One of the largest snakes, now established as an invasive predator across the Florida Everglades.

Komodo dragon

The largest living lizard, which kills large prey with venom and shock rather than jaw power.

This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

Common questions

Which is bigger, Burmese python or Komodo dragon?
Komodo dragon is somewhat greater than Burmese python on weight — about 1.2×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do Burmese pythons and Komodo dragons compare on length?
Burmese python: 2.5–5.7 m. Komodo dragon: 2–3.13 m. Burmese python is 1.6× Komodo dragon on length.
How do Burmese pythons and Komodo dragons compare on typical lifespan?
Burmese python: 15–28 yr. Komodo dragon: 25–35 yr. Komodo dragon is 1.5× Burmese python on typical lifespan.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked