Spotted Python 

Antaresia maculosa
Common Names: Spotted Python, Eastern Children’s Python

Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically reach 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m), making them one of the smaller python species. Females are often slightly larger than males.

• Appearance:

  • The Spotted Python has a light brown to tan base colour, overlaid with dark brown to black oval or circular spots that give the species its name.

  • Patterns can vary from bold, well-defined spots to more faded or broken blotches.

  • Their belly is usually pale cream to white, sometimes with faint speckling.

• Distribution: Found in northern and eastern Australia, ranging from Cape York Peninsula down into Queensland and parts of New South Wales.

• Habitat: Occupy rock outcrops, woodlands, savannahs, and sometimes urban areas, often sheltering in rock crevices or hollow logs.

• Behaviour: Small constrictors feeding primarily on reptiles, birds, and small mammals. They are semi-arboreal but often found hunting on the ground or near rocky outcrops.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults do well in enclosures measuring at least 2–3 ft long, with climbing branches, hides, and enrichment. Their small size makes them suitable for modest setups compared to larger pythons.

• Temperature & Humidity:

  • Basking spot: 86–88°F (30–31°C).

  • Ambient temps: 75–80°F (24–27°C).

  • Humidity: 40–60%, with slight increases during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles thrive on pinky mice and fuzzies every 5–7 days, while adults feed on appropriately sized mice or small rats every 10–14 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Spotted Pythons are generally hardy, docile, and consistent feeders, making them excellent beginner pythons. Juveniles may be defensive but usually calm quickly with gentle handling.

• Special Considerations: They thrive in naturalistic setups with climbing structures, hides, and a moderate humidity environment.

Genetics Note

• The Spotted Python is a wild-type species, not a morph.

• While selective breeding exists in Antaresia species (e.g., albinos in Children’s Pythons), Spotted Pythons are generally maintained as pure localities.

The Spotted Python is one of the smallest and most manageable python species, making it a favourite among new and experienced keepers for its compact size, calm nature, and ease of care.