Spotted Python
- Family: Pythonidae (pythons)
- Genus: Antaresia
- Type: Non-venomous terrestrial snake
- Average Size: 1 to 1.5 meters in length
- Distribution: Found in northern and eastern Australia, often in rocky outcrops, forests, and grasslands
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
DID YOU KNOW: Spotted Pythons are excellent climbers and can often be found in trees or shrubs, but they are equally adept at navigating rocky landscapes and crevices. This versatility makes them skilled hunters in a range of environments. Click here to see our most common callouts. Click this link to learn some interesting facts about the Spotted Python.
How to Identify a Spotted Python In Australia
The Spotted Python is a small, non-venomous python with a slender body and a striking pattern. Its scales are typically a rich brown to reddish-brown color, adorned with dark, irregular spots or blotches that give the species its name. These spots often form loose bands across the body, contrasting against a lighter cream or yellowish underside. Adults usually reach lengths of 1 to 1.5 meters, making them one of Australia’s smaller python species. Their smooth, glossy scales and subtle patterns allow them to blend into rocky outcrops and bushland, where they are commonly found.
Where Spotted Pythons Live In Australia
Spotted Pythons are found across northern Australia, from Queensland to parts of Western Australia. They favor rocky environments, caves, and crevices, often residing in areas with plenty of shelter. These adaptable snakes are also known to inhabit woodlands, dry forests, and occasionally urban areas where they hunt for small prey. They are nocturnal hunters and particularly skilled at navigating rocky terrain, where they seek out rodents, birds, and reptiles.
Are Spotted Pythons In Australia Venomous?
Spotted Pythons are non-venomous and completely harmless to humans. They kill their prey through constriction, using their muscular bodies to subdue small animals. While they may bite if handled roughly or startled, their bite causes minimal damage and poses no medical risk. Spotted Pythons are generally docile and are popular among reptile enthusiasts as pets due to their manageable size and calm demeanor.
Spotted Pythons In Australia Safety Tips
If you encounter a Spotted Python in the wild, enjoy the sight from a distance and avoid handling it. These snakes are beneficial to the environment, helping control pest populations. Keep your yard free of clutter and seal gaps around your home to prevent them from seeking shelter indoors. If a Spotted Python is found in an inappropriate location, contact a professional snake catcher to safely relocate it.