Ant Hill Python (Antaresia perthensis)

Ant Hill Python

(Antaresia perthensis)

Distribution
This species of python is also often referred to as the Pygmy Python.

This small python is originally from Western Australia, primarily around the Pilbara region, but it also found in suitable habitats close to that area.

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

This is the smallest python in the world, with an average adult size of around 60cm (2ft).
Diet
This species has not been studied very much in the wild, therefore little is known on the wild diet. It is presumed that juveniles feed on lizards, going onto rodents later in life. In captivity most can be encouraged to feed on rodents, but it is advised that any potential keeper check what the breeder has been feeding the neonates on prior to purchase.
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: - These can be either reflector (spot) light in green or red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats are also useful for this species. All heaters should be thermostatically controlled and guarded.
Ultra Violet Light Source: - The UV light is entirely up to the keeper as with most snakes. If provided one of the better brands to use is a Reptisun 5.0 UVB light. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking reptile. These should be replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin 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. Boxes/bark are ideal for this use.
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. Enclosures measuring 75cm x 30cm x 30cm (2½ft x 1ft x 1ft) are fine for a pair of this species.

Temperature
Day time temperatures should be maintained at around 25 degrees Celsius (77 F) at the cooler end, with a basking area which reaches at least 30 degrees Celsius. At night the temperature gradient may be allowed to drop to between 28 and 23 degrees Celsius.
Humidity and water
This species of python comes from arid areas, so a dry Vivarium is best. However a shallow water dish should always be available. The humidity should be maintained at around 50 to 60%.
Longevity
This species can live up to and in excess of 20 years if well cared for.
Substrate
The substrates most commonly used with this species are either a soil/bark mixture or paper. What ever you use ensure that it is cleaned regularly in order to reduce a bacterial build up.
NB – Photograph taken from http://reptiles.passion.free.fr/classification/ophidiens/pythonides/Antaresia_perthensis.htm
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_perthensis']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
http://reptiles.passion.free.fr/classification/ophidiens/pythonides/Antaresia_perthensis.htm

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