Antaresia maculosa
Description
The Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa) is one of Australia’s smallest pythons with an average adult length of approximately one metre. Colour varies from cream to yellowish brown, occasionally tinged in red, with a persistent dorsal pattern of dark brown blotches.
They are often confused with other similar species such as Stimson's Python (Antaresia stimsoni) and Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni). They are usually found in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from rocky outcrops within woodlands, grasslands and along rainforest edges. Spotted Pythons are nocturnal (active at night), with a preference for lying in wait at the entrance of caves at dusk to feed on bats.
Mating takes place from April to August and about 12 eggs are laid in October or November.
Adaptations
- Excellent camouflage
- Small size allows it to hunt in rock crevices
- Can go for long periods of time without needing to eat
- Mother coils around her eggs to ensure they maintain the correct temperature
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: Small birds, frogs, lizards and small mammals (including bats)
- What eats me: Birds, domestic animals (eg cats)
Interesting facts
The common name (childrens python) is not because of its small size, but rather it being named after John Children, a zoologist who captured and researched it in the 19th century.