What are the differences between pythons and anacondas?

The differences between pythons and anacondas lie in their geographical distribution, physical characteristics, and reproductive habits. Pythons and anacondas live worlds apart. Most pythons roam the Old World tropics and subtropics, with species distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. In contrast, anacondas are native to South America, particularly in tropical regions such as the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.

Anacondas, especially green anacondas, are the largest snakes by weight and girth, reaching lengths of up to 9 meters (about 30 feet) and weighing as much as 250 kg (about 550 pounds). Pythons, such as the reticulated python, can grow longer, with some individuals reaching up to 10 meters (33 feet), but they are generally lighter than anacondas. Anacondas are more robust and have a larger diameter, while pythons are more elongated.

Their reproductive habits also differ. Pythons, being oviparous, reproduce by laying eggs. Female pythons coil around their eggs to incubate them, using muscle contractions to generate heat. Anacondas, on the other hand, are viviparous. Female anacondas retain the eggs inside their bodies until they hatch and give birth to live offspring.