Common Name: Spotted Python

Scientific Name: Antaresia maculosa

Distribution Habitat:

The Spotted Python is one of Australias 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.

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.

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.

Heat Source:

This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats can also be used as an additional source of heat. All heat sources should be suitably guarded in order to prevent thermal burns from occuring.

Temperature:

A basking area which 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 a night time temperatures can be allowed to drop to around 26.6 degrees Celsius (80F).

Thermostat:

All heat sources should be thermostatically controlled.

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Hides Climbing:

These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, and hollow logs all make excellent hides.

Diet Supplements:

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.

Water Humidity:

A large water container should be provided to allow the snake to drink and also to soak when nearing slough. This water should be changed daily.