Blood Python (Batrix)

Python brongersmai
Common Names: Blood Python, Brongersmai Python

Species Overview

Size: Adults typically measure 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), with females being stockier and heavier-bodied. Rare individuals may exceed 7 feet.
Appearance:
- - Batrix (Batik + Matrix combo):
    - Batik (co-dominant): Produces a maze-like, pixelated pattern across the snake’s body, with a lighter head and broken dorsal striping.
    - Matrix (co-dominant): Reduces and fragments the normal Blood Python pattern, creating “flames” and irregular blotches.
    - Together, Batik + Matrix = Batrix, a high-contrast morph with extreme pixelation and shattered patterning.
Distribution: Wild-type Blood Pythons are native to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and nearby islands.
Habitat: They thrive in swampy forests, marshlands, and humid lowland habitats, making use of dense ground cover.
Behaviour: A terrestrial ambush predator, relying on camouflage and power to capture rodents, birds, and other small prey.

Captive Care

Enclosure: Adults thrive in enclosures measuring at least 4 ft × 2 ft × 1.5–2 ft, with emphasis on floor space. Provide a snug hide, deep humidity-retentive substrate, and a large water bowl for soaking.
Temperature & Humidity: Keep a basking area at 86–88°F (30–31°C) and a cooler end at 78–80°F (25–27°C). Humidity should be maintained at 60–70%, increasing to 80% during shedding.
Diet: Juveniles should be fed hopper rats or equivalent prey every 5–7 days; adults thrive on medium to large rats every 10–14 days. Overfeeding should be avoided, as Blood Pythons are prone to obesity.
Behaviour in Captivity: Captive-bred Batrix are generally hardy and reliable feeders, though they may be defensive if startled and are strongly food-motivated. With consistent husbandry, they usually become steady and manageable captives.
Special Considerations: They do best in naturalistic, humid setups with deep substrate, which supports hydration and burrowing behaviour.

Genetics Note

The Batrix trait is a combination of the following genes:

- - Batik (co-dominant): Produces a maze-like, pixelated pattern across the snake’s body, with a lighter head and broken dorsal striping.
  - Matrix (co-dominant): Reduces and fragments the normal Blood Python pattern, creating “flames” and irregular blotches.

The Blood Python (Batrix) is one of the most striking foundational morphs, valued for its brilliant contrast and role as a genetic building block in many of the most desirable designer projects in the Blood Python hobby.