Fun Spotted Python Facts For Kids
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Australia constitutes 14% of the reptilian population in the whole world, and it is home to some of the earth’s largest species of reptiles and fossils. Reptiles are cold-blooded and their bodies are covered in scales.
Pythons are famous reptiles and 15 types of python species exist in Australia; the spotted python is one of them.
Spotted pythons are non-venomous snakes that reach a length of 39-55 in (99.1-139.7 cm). They can be kept in homes by reptile enthusiasts due to their docile temperament, but these snakes can be seen at the zoo as well.
There are no known subspecies of the spotted python to this day, however, the genus Antaresia consists of four species and one subspecies.
The genus Antaresia has undergone a name change three times before finally, the name Antaresia was appointed in 1990. Antaresia maculosa is the scientific name of the spotted python, which is also known as the rough spotted python.
To know more interesting facts about spotted pythons keep reading this article. For more relatable content, check out these African rock python facts and green tree python facts for kids.
Spotted Python Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a spotted python?
The spotted python is a type of non-venomous snake with a docile temperament. This species of snake is found in Australia and New Guinea.
What class of animal does a spotted python belong to?
The Antaresia maculosa belongs to the class Reptilia, the order Squamata, and the family Pythonidae. This is the largest snake of the Antaresia genus and it bears a resemblance to the children's python which can also be found in Australia.
How many spotted pythons are there in the world?
Spotted pythons are found in superabundance, so the total number of these snakes in the world has not been estimated.
Where does a spotted python live?
In 1842, the genus Antaresia was first acknowledged by John Grey from an unspecified location in the Australian continent.
The spotted python is an Australian native snake of the family Pythonidae and the distribution range of this snake extends from the top of Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, down the east coast of the Great Dividing Range to the extreme north of New South Wales.
What is a spotted python's habitat?
The spotted python is an incredibly adaptable snake that can adjust itself in numerous habitats, from open terrain to woodlands and forests. The average spotted python habitat also includes a rocky landscape, particularly caves where it can prey on microbats.
These snakes are also collected by snake enthusiasts who keep them in a man-made habitat as pets. Also, these snakes are displayed in zoos.
However, keeping them as pets is not simple work, a lot of aspects should be undertaken primarily regarding the temperatures. As they are ectothermic reptiles they need adequate heat to function.
Who do spotted pythons live with?
These pythons are primarily solitary, it is only during the mating season that they search for a partner.
How long does a spotted python live?
It is hard to determine the lifespan of these snakes as it may differ according to their environment.
A spotted python in captivity, when its fundamental requirements are met (including clean enclosures, proper food, the right temperature, and a good water supply), can exceed the longevity of a spotted snake living in wild, with an average lifespan of almost 30 years.
It is difficult to evaluate the average lifespan of this species living in the wild exactly, but they generally do not live as long as these snakes in captivity.
How do they reproduce?
When spotted pythons attain sexual maturity they search for a partner to mate. After mating, the female lays approximately 10 eggs.
Spotted pythons are oviparous and after laying eggs, the female coils around the eggs. The period of incubation is almost 80 days long, and after that, the eggs are hatched. It takes around two days for the juveniles to adapt themselves to their new surroundings and once prepared, they may leave the nest.
What is their conservation status?
The conservation status of this species is currently Least Concern. These snakes are largely available but habitat loss is something that might emerge as a problem in the future. This snake is documented under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Spotted Python Fun Facts
What do spotted pythons look like?
The spotted python is considered the largest amongst all the snakes under the genus Antaresia. The average length of spotted python full-grown snakes is 39-55 in (99.1-139.7 cm) and they weigh around 2-3 lb (0.9-1.4 kg).
Found in the north of Queensland, the coast of the Great Dividing Tange and New South Wales, these snakes are covered in dark brown spots and are frequently confused with Antaresia children. However, unlike spotted snakes, Antaresia childreni snakes have faded spots.
Each eye of this snake has a dark streak and the bottom of its body is light yellow.
The blotches present on its body frequently run along the mid-back and create a wavy dorsal stripe. The blotches on this species have ragged edges because dark pigmentations do not occur on incomplete scales.
How cute are they?
These reptiles are seen as cute by many people, while others may disagree.
How do they communicate?
Pythons commonly use chemoreception, but the technique of communication of this specific reptile has not yet been recorded. It is solitary most of its life.
How big is a spotted python?
The average spotted python length is 39-55 in (99.1-139.7 cm). It is the largest among its genus and is slightly larger than a children’s python.
How fast can a spotted python move?
Pythons are typically slow, however, the exact speed of spotted pythons has not been documented.
How much does a spotted python weigh?
The average spotted python size is relatively small compared to other pythons like the Indian python or the Burmese python. The weight of an adult spotted python is approximately 2-3 lb (0.9-1.4 kg).
What are their male and female names of the species?
Males are called male pythons and females are called female pythons.
What would you call a baby spotted python?
The babies of spotted pythons when they are born are called hatchlings.
What do they eat?
The diet of young and adult spotted pythons consists of mice, rodents, lizards, and bats.
Are they dangerous?
This reptile is non-venomous, and not very aggressive generally.
Would they make a good pet?
Spotted python care can be extensive at times as they require plenty of care. The spotted python temperament can be described as docile and it can be kept in a cage, which makes it a great pet to have around.
Did you know...
The forked tongue of this reptile enables it to smell more accurately by smelling particles of air on either the left or right fork of its tongue.
While juvenile pythons can be snappy and less temperamental, in most cases a spotted python makes for a good first pet snake.
The spotted python is also known as the eastern small blotched python.
How fast do spotted pythons grow?
The growth rate of this snake species depends on the care and feeding method carried out by snake owners if the snake is in captivity. Otherwise, it takes around three years for juveniles to grow completely in the wild.
Having your own spotted python
Spotted pythons are often kept as pets, but they come with plenty of responsibilities and care. It is crucial to create an environment where it can live and grow.
The cage must be upgraded as they grow, as an adult spotted python requires more space than a juvenile. The enclosure can be of any material, be it glass or plastic, but it must be strong enough to hold the snake.
Spotted pythons are ectothermic and require an adequate heat source to regulate temperatures according to their needs. Spotted python care also involves providing them with a clean supply of water and proper food.
The diet of a young reptile differs from the diet of an adult spotted python. Young ones should be given only one rodent of standard size per week.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles from our yellow rat snake facts and bullsnake facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable spotted python coloring pages.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.
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