Fun Amethystine Python Facts For Kids

Iram Ashfaq
Oct 20, 2022 By Iram Ashfaq
Originally Published on Aug 06, 2021
Edited by Katherine Cook
The best set of amethystine python facts that you did not know about
?
Age: 3-18
Read time: 6.2 Min

Amethystine pythons are found in Southeast Asia and Australia, including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The Simalia amethistina is a beautiful creature that deserves more attention because there are so many things you don't know about it yet! These scrub python snakes have an interesting diet because they eat birds, possums, and frogs. Morelia amethistina snakes will also occasionally prey on mice or rats if the opportunity presents itself. Scrub python snakes typically grow up to be about 160-270 in (4-7 m) in length. This type of Morelia amethistina python is a constrictor snake that lives on rock ledges on trees or walls during daytime hours. The amethystine python has been found in northern Australia, New Guinea, southern Vietnam, and Indonesia. Unlike many other species of snake which produce venom to immobilize their prey, amethystine pythons (Morelia amethistina) kill by constriction only. This gives them a unique advantage because they can be aggressive without fear of being harmed themselves.

The Morelia amethistina scrub python is also one of the longest species on earth! These amazing creatures are easy to keep as pets as long as you provide them with an adequate enclosure for their size and diet requirements. They are known for their unique markings and colorings. They're also very flexible with an impressive range in size among males and females. The amethystine python (Morelia amethistina) is a beautiful and largely harmless snake. The amethystine python (Morelia amethistina) snakes are very popular among reptile enthusiasts because of their pretty colors. When the scrub python feels threatened or provoked by humans the amethystine python will strike aggressively to defend itself from whatever is stressing them out. This makes for some interesting interactions between people who refuse to give up on capturing this magnificent creature despite it slithering in protest as well as those trying not to get bitten while chasing after one!

For more relatable content, check out these kingsnake facts and sea snake facts for kids.

Amethystine Python Interesting Facts

What type of animal is an amethystine python?

Amethystine pythons are a type of snake. They live in eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

What class of animal does an amethystine python belong to?

This incredibly long and slender snake is a member of the class Reptilia. Its shimmering scales make it clear that this animal does not have to rely on camouflage for protection. This feature makes it very popular among reptile enthusiasts and noted as one of the best.

How many amethystine pythons are there in the world?

Scientists have estimated that there could be as many as 1,00,000. However, before we get too scared about this, remember these snakes live primarily on just one small island off Australia, Papua New Guinea, and they're not very active during daytime hours due to the heat. There could even be more than what is seen on record.

Where does amethystine python live?

Amethystine pythons are native to Papua New Guinea and survive in tropical areas. They prefer watery environments, like streams or swamps where there is plenty of vegetation for them to hide among the trees.

What is an amethystine python's habitat?

The python amethystinus is a type of snake that can be found in Southeast Asia. Most notably, the home for these snakes is usually located on trees and bushes near water sources such as streams or rivers to stay hydrated. Their diet consists primarily of rodents and birds which is why they stay near the water and in trees. Some have been known to eat larger prey too.

Who do amethystine pythons live with?

When you are a member of the amethystine python family, it is not easy to spend time with other snakes. They have no body heat at all which makes them solitary creatures.

How long does an amethystine python live?

The python amethystinus snakes are typically found across eastern and northern Australia, but they can also be located as far south as Sydney’s Botanical Garden. These beautiful creatures live for an average of 25-40 years depending on the level of care received by their owners or handlers, making them one of the longest-living species.

How do they reproduce?

Amethystine python eggs are fascinating. The python usually lays around five to 21 eggs per batch. The incubation period is around 100 days and the egg will eventually burst open to release a new snake into the world after all of that time has passed.

What is their conservation status?

The amethystine python conservation status is Least Concern.

Amethystine Python Fun Facts

What do amethystine pythons look like?

Amethystine pythons are some of the most colorful snakes in existence. They can be tan, brown, or black with yellow and green stripes that run vertically along their body. These reptiles have developed an amazing patterning consisting not only of horizontal bands but also vertical ones too. They have an appearance that differs based on gender at birth. The female will be covered by purple when fully grown whereas those of male genders will turn into a light shade of blue as they mature.

The amethystine python size is one of the most fascinating features it has.

How cute are they?

Some people find them cute, and others think that they are creepy because snakes generally have a bad reputation for being intimidating creatures.

How do they communicate?

Amethystine pythons use clacking noises against a rough surface in order to send messages back and forth between themselves. It has been theorized many times as to what this noise means for snake communication since no human can understand them yet, but nothing has been confirmed so far.

How big is an amethystine python?

The amethystine python length ranges from 160-270 in (4-7 m) in length. Females usually outgrow their male counterparts so they're typically more likely to be spotted.

How fast can an amethystine python move?

An amethystine python can move at a speed of 2-3 ft/s (0.6-0.91 m/s) when threatened or in pursuit of prey.

How much does an amethystine python weigh?

The Amethystine python is a beautiful snake with males weighing 8-13 lb (4-6 kg) and females weighing 28-33 lb (13-15 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

These snakes have no specific names for the respective genders, both go by the name amethystine python.

What would you call a baby amethystine python?

A baby amethystine python is called a hatchling.

What do they eat?

Amethystine pythons are known for their beautiful iridescence. They love to eat small birds and tiny mammals such as possums and rats, frogs. They prefer live prey but will settle on any meat when hungry. These pythons often get gobbled up by any crocodile in their vicinity.

Are they poisonous?

No, they are not. Speaking about poisonous snakes, you might want to stay away from an inland taipan for sure.

Would they make a good pet?

Amethystine pythons are enormous creatures and they're not the type of animal you want roaming around if it escaped. However, people still raise them as pets. Another common snake pet is the milk snake.

Did you know...

The amethystine python is the largest native snake in Australia and New Guinea.

In parts of Indonesia, locals believe that it brings good luck to eat a piece of its meat on an empty stomach in order for their wishes to come true. This has cause people to hunt these reptiles down in a game or as pet food sources.

Are amethystine pythons dangerous?

Amethystine pythons can be dangerous, even though they are not poisonous. They have the ability to squeeze and suffocate their victims to death.

What is the biggest python?

There are many different types of python snakes, but the reticulated python is always in a class all on its own. The reticulated python is the largest of all pythons and one of the longest snakes in existence. Their size ranges between 4.9-21.3 ft (1.5-6.5 m).

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 Burmese python facts and coral snake facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable python coloring pages.

Amethystine Python Facts

What Did They Prey On?

Small birds, tiny mammals, possums, frogs, and rats

What Type of Animal were they?

Carnivore

Average Litter Size?

5-21

How Much Did They Weigh?

Males: 8-13 lb (4-6 kg) Females: 28-33 lb (13-15 kg)

What habitat Do they Live In?

forests, grasslands, rocks, trees, shores, and coasts near water bodies

Where Do They Live?

southeast asia and australia

How Long Were They?

160-270 in (4-7 m)

How Tall Were They?

N/A

Class

Reptilia

Genus

Simalia

Family

Pythonidae

Scientific Name

Simalia amethistina

What Do They Look Like?

Brown, golden, yellow, orange, black, and gray

Skin Type

Scaly

What Are Their Main Threats?

eagles and crocodiles

What is their Conservation Status?

Least Concern
We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Iram Ashfaq

Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health

Iram Ashfaq picture

Iram AshfaqBachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health

With a Bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery from Shaney Institute of Health Sciences and a Master's degree in Public Health from Imperial College London, Iram is a highly qualified and accomplished writer from Srinagar, India. Over the course of a year, she has acquired multiple writing certifications, focusing on health sciences and research studies. Prior to joining Kidadl, Iram gained valuable experience working as a content writer for Indian firms and interning at a New York-based company. Her expertise and passion for writing shine through in her ability to create compelling content across a variety of topics.

Read full bio >