Editing Reticulated python (section)

==In captivity==
[[File:Reticulated Python at Little Rays Reptile Zoo.jpg|thumb|Reticulated python with an unusual color pattern: Various color patterns are found in captive-bred specimens – some brought about by [[selective breeding]].]][[File:Large Python Ragunan Zoo.jpg|thumb|In [[Ragunan Zoo]], [[Terrarium]], [[South Jakarta]], Indonesia]]
Increased popularity of the reticulated python in the pet trade is due largely to increased efforts in captive breeding and selectively bred mutations such as the "albino" and "tiger" strains. Other notable color mutations recorded in this species include "sunfire", "motley", "Aztec", "ocelot", "rainbow", and "goldenchild".<ref name=":0" /> Some mutations, such as the "BEL" (black eyed leucistic) mutations are seldom bred due the discovery that they develop fatal gastrointestinal issues upon reaching adulthood.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=McClellan |first=Glen |title=The Complete Reticulated Python: A Comprehensive Guide to the Natural History, Captive Care, and Breeding of the World's Largest Snake |publisher=Living Art Publishing |year=2024 |isbn=9798989987313 |location=Oklahoma, USA |pages=}}</ref> The "jaguar" color mutation is likewise controversial in the breeding of captive reticulated pythons, as certain specimens will develop neurological and osseous inner ears, similar to the "Spider" mutation that occurs in the [[ball python]]. It remains unclear as to why some individual pythons with the jaguar mutation display neurological issues associated with this genetic trait and others do not.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McClellan |first=Glen |title=The Complete Reticulated Python: A Comprehensive Guide to the Natural History, Captive Care, and Breeding of the World's Largest Snake |publisher=Living Art Publishing |year=2024 |isbn=9798989987313 |location=Oklahoma, USA |pages=294}}</ref> 

Smaller animals such as the proposed "super dwarf" subspecies found on small islands are likewise popular due to their smaller size, as they grow to a fraction of the lengths and weights of their mainland kin due to genetics, limited space and prey availability.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://reptilerapture.net/RETICULATED-PYTHONS--SUPER-DWARF_ep_97.html#:~:text=Common%20Name%3A%20Super%20Dwarf%20Riticulated,Lifespan%3A%2015%2D20%20years | title=Reticulated Pythons - Super Dwarf}}</ref> Dwarf and super dwarf reticulated pythons are likewise defined for captive animals as any reticulated pythons with at least 50 percent lineage hailing from seven select islands in the Selayer island chain near Sulawesi.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McClellan |first=Glen |title=The Complete Reticulated Python: A Comprehensive Guide to the Natural History, Captive Care, and Breeding of the World's Largest Snake |publisher=Living Art Publishing |year=2024 |isbn=9798989987313 |location=Oklahoma, USA |pages=316-318}}</ref> It can make a good captive, but keepers working with adults from mainland populations should have previous experience with large constrictors to ensure safety to both animal and keeper. Although its interactivity and beauty draws much attention, some feel it is unpredictable.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ecoterrariumsupply.com/reticulated-python-care.php | title = Reticulated Python Care (''Python reticulatus'') – Eco Terrarium Supply | access-date = 2009-02-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081230024046/http://ecoterrariumsupply.com/reticulated-python-care.php | archive-date = 2008-12-30 | url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.boatips.com/reticulatedpythons/ | title = Reticulated Pythons - Boatips.com | access-date = 2009-02-06}}</ref> The python can bite and possibly constrict if it feels threatened, or mistakes a hand for food. While not venomous, large pythons can inflict serious injuries by biting, sometimes requiring stitches.