The most apparent difference is that P. sebae has the typical, large plate scales on top of the head, (internasals, frontals, and supraoculars), while P. natalensis is characterized by small internasals, and then behind them are very much smaller, almost granular like scales, very unlike the larger plate-like scales seen with most other members of the genus Python. Also, P. natalensis lacks the large, dark colored, pre-ocular area that is so obvious with P. sebae. And while not always definitive, sebae usually has a dark, somewhat triangular marking just below the eye, where natalensis shows either nothing or a small dot at best. There are other subtle color and pattern differences, but the above head scale and pre-ocular color differences are the most obvious. Size has also been thought to be a difference as well, but P. natalensis have been accurately measured up to a record of 18 feet, however average full size adults are probably 10 to 14 feet. Pure P. natalensis are pretty rare in U.S. collections.

Kelly

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