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Komodo dragon vs Reticulated python

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

A Komodo dragon and a reticulated python 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.
Komodo dragon Reticulated python
Weight 40–166 kg 25–160 kg
Length 2–3.13 m 3–10 m
Typical lifespan 25–35 yr 15–29 yr

What the numbers say

  • Komodo dragon is somewhat greater than reticulated python on weight — about 1.2×.
  • Reticulated python is 2× Komodo dragon on length.
  • Komodo dragon is 1.5× reticulated python on typical lifespan.

Weight compared.

Komodo dragon 40–166 kg
Reticulated python 25–160 kg

Komodo dragon

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

Reticulated python

The longest snake in the world; the record animal measured 10 m.

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, Komodo dragon or reticulated python?
Komodo dragon is somewhat greater than reticulated python on weight — about 1.2×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do Komodo dragons and reticulated pythons compare on length?
Komodo dragon: 2–3.13 m. Reticulated python: 3–10 m. Reticulated python is 2× Komodo dragon on length.
How do Komodo dragons and reticulated pythons compare on typical lifespan?
Komodo dragon: 25–35 yr. Reticulated python: 15–29 yr. Komodo dragon is 1.5× reticulated python on typical lifespan.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked