You’ve heard about the short-tailed and Burmese pythons in our previous posts, but now it’s time to talk about the diamond python, the last but certainly not the least of the three most commonly traded python skins.
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A Unique Pattern
Also known by its scientific name, python reticulatus, or the reticulated python, this python species is characterized by its regular, geometric scale patterns on its back. The term “reticulatus” comes from the Latin word for “net-like,” as the diamond shapes on its back resemble the pattern of ropes in a fishing net.
Impressive Measurements
The reticulated python is widely recognized as the world’s longest snake species, with some specimens reaching an astonishing 6.95 meters in length. In fact, there is a record-breaking reticulated python that measures a staggering 7.67 meters [^1^]. However, such large specimens are rare. The average commercially-available python reticulatus skin is approximately 3.25 meters long and 28 cm wide at its widest point, tapering down to 15 cm at the ends. These dimensions are similar to those of the average Burmese python hide.
What sets the measurements of the diamond python apart from the Burmese python is the more severe tapering of the diamond python hide. This reduces the total square feet area of the diamond python’s hide compared to an equally long Burmese python skin. As a result, the diamond python is generally less expensive per meter than Burmese python hides.
Distinctive Appearance
As mentioned earlier, the python reticulatus has a unique pattern of colored scales on its back, resembling the ropes of a fishing net or large playing card diamonds separated by black lines. Unlike the Burmese python, which has rounded and irregular shapes, the diamond python’s patterns are regular and well-defined throughout the majority of its hide.
Another distinguishing feature of the diamond python is the width of its belly scales. In comparison to the Burmese python, the belly scales of the diamond python are significantly wider. This makes the belly scales an excellent focal point for display in a large item if the hide is a back cut.
The diamond python is available in both front and back cuts, as well as in bleached or unbleached varieties. Designers who want to showcase the wide belly scales often prefer a bleached back cut, while those who want to highlight the python’s natural scale color pattern opt for an unbleached front cut.
Working with Diamond Python Skins
Many of the tips shared in our Burmese python blog post can be applied to working with diamond python skin as well. However, it’s important to note that diamond python skin tapers more quickly than Burmese python skin.
When using multiple hides for a large project, you may be able to use two unbleached back-cut hides side by side if the scale patterns are the same size. Alternatively, using two bleached hides or a front cut can help ensure the belly scales match up nicely.
Creating a well-made diamond python skin product is akin to creating a work of art, one that will surely attract ultra-wealthy clients who crave unique and top-quality exotic leather goods.
Discover how you can work with python skin to create striking and top-quality exotic leather goods. Request a free consultation here.
