Caresheet for Antaresia pythons complex: A. childreni (Childrens), A. maculosa (spotted) & A. stimsoni (Stimsons)
Submitted by
bensnacks
Description and Behaviour
All three species have a similar form, the head being distinct from the neck with large symmetrical head scales and a pattern consisting of dark brown, irregular blotches against a lighter brown to tan or fawn background. The Children’s python has the least contrasting pattern, which can almost completely fade on approaching adulthood. These three species are amongst the smallest pythons with adult Stimson’s and spotted pythons rarely exceeding 1.5m (5ft) and Childrens seldom attaining 1.2m(4ft). Although they are considered mainly terrestrial they will not hesitate to climb in search of food and are often found high on cave walls preying on roosting or flying bats.
These snakes are known for their placid disposition especially the spotted. All are reluctant to bite even when molested. Subsequently, they are popular pets and make an excellent choice for educational demonstrations and first-time snake owners.
Range and Habitat
This genus is the most widespread of the Australian pythons having a range covering most of the continent. Children’s pythons inhabit northern tropical Australia, from the Kimberley’s in Western Australia across the ‘Top End’ to the eastern shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Spotteds range down the east coast from Cape York to the Queensland New South Wales border region, while Stimson’s cover almost the entire arid interior and
coast of Western Australia ranging as far south as Perth in Western Australia and the Port Augusta region of South Australia.
These species inhabit monsoon forests, woodland, savannah and arid regions, and within these areas rocky and hilly habitats are preferred. They shelter under stones or in crevices but can also be found in tree hollows, abandoned burrows in termite mounds and under bark or leaf litter.
Caging
When purchasing or designing an enclosure it should be remembered they are a relatively active group of snakes and space should be allowed for them to exercise in and explore. The enclosure for adult Antaresia pythons should be at least the length of the snake, 1/3 the snakes length in depth and 3/4 the snakes length in height. For example for adult Children’s pythons, cage dimensions should be approximately 4ft. x 1.4ft x 3ft. Remember this is a minimum, the animal will not suffer if a larger cage is provided.
Cage furnishings can be as simple as two hide boxes (one for the cool side and one for the warm), a basking lamp or
CHE, a water bowl large enough for the snake to bathe in and a substrate of newspaper. The basking lamp should be the tinted or coloured type as these snakes are nocturnal.
If however you want to improve the appearance of the cage and possibly the wellbeing of your python you could provide extras. A branch or two for climbing will help your snake with thermoregulation and increase the habitable area of the enclosure and a third hide could be introduced as long as adequate floor space is left vacant. Alternative substrates could include woodchips (not cedar or pine) clean leaflitter, linen or towels.
When choosing a substrate a few things to keep in mind are: how easy is it to change ?; how easy is it to spot clean ?; how will it affect humidity levels in the cage?. Some substrates can be difficult to completely remove and replace in a cage while others make it hard to see waste for spot cleaning. If you’re in a region with low ambient humidity using a material which will absorb moisture when misted without being wet (exposing your animal to possible scale rot) will help in keeping humidity levels higher. Your python should always be fed in a separate feeding container to avoid ingestion of the substrate which can cause digestive tract problems or mouthrot if caught in the teeth.
Temperature and humidity
These pythons live in habitats where temperatures range from –5 to 40 degrees Celsius (22-110F), and climates as diverse as wet tropical rainforests to temperate arid zones.
In the wild, snakes can find refuge from the scorching heat or freezing cold by retreating to a shelter with a more stable temperature, or micro-climate with the appropriate humidity. In captivity these pythons are most comfortable when provided with a temperature range of 24-32 degrees Celsius (78-90F) and humidity kept between 60-75%.
Feeding
Being relatively small pythons, a diet of pinkie mice for juveniles through to adult mice or small rats for larger adult snakes is suitable. The rule of one prey item equal to the girth of the snake per week should be adhered to. Obesity is common amongst these captive pythons due to overfeeding and should be avoided for the wellbeing of your animal.
Although these pythons are not known to be fussy or difficult feeders juvenile or hatchling pythons who are reluctant to eat can be enticed by scenting the food item with skink.
Note
Only three out of the four species of the genus Antaresia are covered here, the Pygmy python or Antaresia perthensis is (the world’s smallest known python) is a more specialised animal, and I think warrants a separate caresheet.
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