Episode 142: TRL Book Club: The Complete Reticulated Python Chapters 12, 13, and 14

The Retic Lounge

The Retic Lounge #142 – Book Club: The Complete Reticulated Python Chapters 12, 13 & 14

In this episode of The Retic Lounge Book Club, Lucas and Nathan dive deep into three packed chapters of The Complete Reticulated Python, covering Dwarf and Super Dwarf classifications, pure locality standards, size potential, and the realities of keeping these incredible snakes safely.

They break down what truly qualifies a retic as a Dwarf or Super Dwarf, the seven Selayar Island Chain localities that define the term, and the controversies surrounding SD percentages used in the reptile trade. The discussion then moves into pure locality standards, why traceable lineage is critical, and the pitfalls of mislabeling in the hobby.

From there, the hosts explore how genetics, diet, and breeding pair choices influence size potential, highlighting both the fascination and danger of keeping these snakes. They share real-world incidents—bites, feeding accidents, and fatalities—that underscore the importance of safety, even with smaller locality animals.

It’s an honest, educational, and sometimes sobering look at some of the most misunderstood aspects of retic keeping.

Follow the Hosts:

• Nathan – @katz_reptiles (https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles)

• Lucas – @lab_exotics (https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics)

Sponsored by:

• Cold Blooded Cafe (https://coldbloodedcafe.com) (Code: REPTILELOUNGE20)

• AEstoney (https://aestoney.com)

• VivTech Products (https://vivtechproducts.com) (Code: RETICLOUNGE23)

• Heartland Reptiles (https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles)

• Reptile Husbandry Designs (https://www.instagram.com/reptilehusbandrydesigns) (Code: TRL10)

Support USARK & USARK FL:

• USARK Membership (https://usark.org/memberships)

• USARK Florida (https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/join-us)