You’ve heard all about the short tail and Burmese pythons in our previous posts, now it’s time to talk about the last, but not least, of the three most-commonly traded python skins: the diamond python.

Another alias by which this type of python is known includes the scientific name of python reticulatus, or the reticulated python. This name is derived from the regular, geometric scale patterns on this python species’ back, as the term reticulatus means “net-like” in Latin (the diamond shapes resemble the pattern of the ropes in a fishing net).

Measurements

Commonly recognized as the world’s longest snake species, the reticulated python can grow to an astonishing 6.95 meters in length (with one specimen http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-snake-ever-(captivity) as being 7.67 meters in length).

However, while the reticulated python can grow to be very long, such large specimens are rare. The average commercially-available python reticulatus skin is roughly 3.25 meters in length and 28 cm (11 inches) wide at its widest point tapering down to 15 cm (5.9 inches) at the ends, making it similar to the measurements for the average Burmese python hide.

What separates the measurements of the diamond python from the Burmese python is the fact that the hide of the diamond python does taper more severely than that of the Burmese python. This reduces the total square feet area of the diamond python’s hide in comparison to a Burmese python skin of equal length.

On a side note, this smaller area per skin is typically reflected in the cost of the diamond python, making it less costly per meter than Burmese python hides.

Appearance

As was noted above, the python reticulatus has a very distinctive pattern of colored scales on its back that resembles the ropes of a fishing net or large playing card diamonds separated by black lines. Unlike the Burmese python, with its rounded, irregular shapes, the patterns on a diamond python are very regular, remaining well-defined on the majority of the hide.

Another thing that makes the diamond python easy to tell apart from the Burmese python is the width of its belly scales. The belly scales of a diamond python are very wide in comparison. This can make the belly scales of the diamond python a great focal point for display in a large item if the hide is a back cut.

Much like the Burmese python, the diamond python is available in both front and back cuts, in bleached or unbleached varieties. Typically, designers who want to emphasize the wide belly scales will want a bleached back cut, while those who want to emphasize the python’s natural scale color pattern will go with an unbleached front cut.

Working with Diamond Python Skins

Many of the tips that you’ve seen in our Burmese python blog post can be applied to working with diamond python skin.

However, when planning out your panels for diamond python hide, keep in mind the fact that diamond python skin tapers more quickly than Burmese python skin. 

When using multiple hides for a large project, it may be possible to use two unbleached back-cut hides side by side if the scale patterns are the same size. However, it is typically easier to use two bleached hides if they are back-cut or simply use a front cut so the plainer belly scales can be matched up.

A well-made diamond python skin product is a true work of art, one that will have ultra-wealthy clients demanding one of their own.

Learn more about how you can work with python skin to create unique, striking, and top-quality exotic leather goods today by requesting a free consultation at the link below: