Spotted Python
(Antaresia maculosa)
Distribution
The Spotted Python is one of Australia’s smallest pythons, and is found mainly around coastal areas ranging from the Coastal areas of Queensland almost to the New South Wales borders, it also occurs on several smaller islands off the coast. It used to be recognized as
Liasis maculosa until its reclassification in 1993.
There are currently two subspecies recognized and these are the Spotted Python (
Antaresia maculosa maculosa) and the Cape York Spotted Python (
Antaresia maculosa brentonoloughlini).
Prior to getting this species research as much as possible and if possible spend time with a current keeper to see if this is the species for you, it is also worth joining your local reptile society/group as they will be able to give you hints and tips (and you may be able to do the same for them).
Size
The Spotted Python is a small python, although some specimens have been known to reach lengths of 120cm to 150cm (4 to 5 feet), the average size still remains around 90cm (3 feet) for an adult.
Diet
In captivity a diet of appropriately sized rodents is sufficient, they are best fed roughly every 10 days with small amounts of food, instead of one large meal per month or so as is common with the bigger species of python.
In order to avoid feeding problems ensure the snake is guaranteed to feed on mice/pinkies before purchasing it. When feeding your snake it is essential that you either use a feeding box or feed it on substrate that it cannot ingest. They should also always be fed using tongs and not by hand.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be either reflector (spot) light in green, blue or red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats can also be used as an additional source of heat.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - It is entirely up to the keeper if a UV light is used; it is not advised however if a specimen with red eyes is being maintained. If the keeper decides to utilize a UV light then one of the better choices would be a reptisun 2.0 UVB light. This should be left on for around 10 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as allowing D3 synthesis.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, and hollow log all make excellent hides.
- Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A Vivarium measuring 60cm by 45cm by 45cm (2 feet x 18” x 18”) is fine to maintain this species of snake.
Temperature
A basking area that reaches at least 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) should be provided, with the cooler end dropping as low as 27 degrees Celsius (80.6F). On nighttime temperatures can be allowed to drop to around 26.6 degrees Celsius (80F).
Water
A large ceramic/earthenware dog bowl is best for these reptiles as they are harder for them to tip over. This water should be changed daily as this is also the water they drink. A humid hide containing damp sphagnum moss should be provided in order to prevent disecdysis.
NB – The Spotted python is fast becoming a beginner’s boid. As long as the snake is feeding well prior to purchase this is an excellent first time boid.
Longevity
There is little recorded on the life span of this species, data will be added, as it becomes available.
Substrate
Paper is the safest substrate to use by far for this species.
NB – Photograph and map taken from http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/snakes/pythons/amaculosa.htm
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Antaresia_SP_maculosa']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
www.eawt.co.uk - A rescue and re-homing charity
http://www.vpi.com/5VPIBreeders/SpottedPython/SpottedPython.htm
http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/snakes/pythons/amaculosa.htm
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