Python vs. Viper — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
A Python is a non-venomous constrictor snake, while a Viper is a venomous snake with long, hinged fangs.
Difference Between Python and Viper
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Python refers to a family of non-venomous snakes, known for constricting prey. Viper describes venomous snakes with long, hinged fangs.
Pythons are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, with large, muscular bodies. Vipers inhabit diverse regions globally, marked by their distinct triangular heads.
Pythons kill by coiling around and suffocating prey. Vipers immobilize prey using venom delivered through fangs.
Pythons often exhibit complex patterns and can grow very long. Vipers tend to have a stockier build and shorter length, with camouflaging patterns.
Pythons give birth to live young or lay eggs, depending on the species. Vipers are known for giving birth to live young.
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Comparison Chart
Venom
Non-venomous, constricts prey
Venomous, uses hinged fangs
Habitat
Africa, Asia, Australia
Worldwide, various habitats
Hunting Method
Coiling and suffocating prey
Using venom to immobilize prey
Physical Features
Large, muscular, often with complex patterns
Triangular head, stockier, camouflaging patterns
Reproduction
Some lay eggs, some give live birth
Generally give birth to live young
Compare with Definitions
Python
Belongs to the family Pythonidae, found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
He studied the behavior of pythons in the wild.
Viper
Any of various venomous snakes of the family Viperidae, having a thick heavy body and a single pair of long hollow fangs, especially the Eurasian and African species of the subfamily Viperinae, which lack the sensory pits of the pit vipers.
Python
Exhibits diverse patterns and colors across different species.
The python's skin displayed intricate patterns.
Viper
Any of several harmless snakes sometimes believed to be venomous.
Python
A venomous snake with long, hinged fangs for injecting venom.
The viper struck its prey with precision.
Viper
A person regarded as malicious or treacherous.
Python
A large, non-venomous snake known for constricting its prey.
The python wrapped around its prey tightly.
Viper
A venomous snake in the family Viperidae.
Python
Can grow to impressive lengths, some species being among the longest snakes.
The reticulated python is one of the longest snake species.
Viper
(informal) Any venomous snake.
Python
Often kept as exotic pets due to their non-venomous nature.
She has a python as a pet in her apartment.
Viper
(figurative) A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
Python
Known for its distinct triangular-shaped head.
The viper's triangular head is a warning sign.
Viper
(slang) A person who smokes marijuana.
Python
Typically has a stocky build and is often shorter than pythons.
The viper's stocky body was camouflaged among the leaves.
Viper
Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidæ.
There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Python
Includes snakes from the family Viperidae, found in various regions.
Vipers are common in the region's forests.
Viper
A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
Who committedTo such a viper his most sacred trustOf secrecy.
Python
A large heavy-bodied non-venomous snake occurring throughout the Old World tropics, killing prey by constriction and asphyxiation.
Viper
Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake.
Python
A high-level general-purpose programming language.
Viper
Venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw
Python
Greek Mythology A dragon or serpent that was the tutelary demon of the oracular cult at Delphi until killed and expropriated by Apollo.
Python
A soothsaying spirit or demon.
Python
A person possessed by such a spirit.
Python
Any of various nonvenomous snakes of the family Pythonidae, found chiefly in Asia, Africa, and Australia, that coil around and asphyxiate their prey. Some pythons can attain lengths of 8 meters (26 feet) or more.
Python
A type of large constricting snake.
Python
A penis.
Python
Any species of very large snakes of the genus Python, and allied genera, of the family Pythonidæ. They are nearly allied to the boas. Called also rock snake.
Python
A diviner by spirits.
Python
Large Old World boas
Python
A soothsaying spirit or a person who is possessed by such a spirit
Python
(Greek mythology) dragon killed by Apollo at Delphi
Python
Usually gives birth to live young, unlike many other snakes.
The female viper gave birth to a litter of live young.
Common Curiosities
What are the key features of a viper?
Vipers are venomous, have hinged fangs, and a distinct triangular head.
Where are pythons commonly found?
In Africa, Asia, and Australia, in various habitats.
Are pythons dangerous to humans?
Generally, they're not, unless threatened or provoked.
What distinguishes a python from other snakes?
Pythons are non-venomous, constrict their prey, and can grow very long.
Can a viper's venom be fatal?
Yes, viper venom can be deadly, but fatalities are rare with prompt medical treatment.
How do vipers capture their prey?
By injecting venom through their fangs.
Are all pythons large?
Many are, but sizes vary among different species.
Can pythons be kept as pets?
Yes, they're often kept as pets due to their non-venomous nature.
What habitats do vipers prefer?
Vipers inhabit diverse environments worldwide, from forests to deserts.
Are vipers aggressive snakes?
They can be, especially when threatened, but usually avoid humans.
Do vipers lay eggs?
Most vipers give birth to live young.
How do pythons kill their prey?
By coiling around and suffocating them.
Are there antivenoms for viper bites?
Yes, antivenoms are available for many types of viper bites.
Do pythons lay eggs?
Some species lay eggs, while others give birth to live young.
Do vipers always inject venom when they bite?
Not always; they can deliver "dry bites" without venom.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
