Spotted Python

Looks how to spot one

Scales

The body is covered in smooth, overlapping scales. The pattern consists of irregular, dark brown or black blotches with ragged edges (because the dark pigment only fills complete scales) on a lighter brown background. The blotches may be separate or joined into a wavy dorsal stripe.13

Personality what they are like

Spotted pythons are generally calm and manageable. Babies may be defensive and quick to strike, but most settle with age and regular gentle handling. They become confident as they grow and learn predictable routines. They tolerate gentle handling but it can be stressful, so sessions should be kept short.26

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and semi-arboreal. They need a suitable light and heat gradient to simulate a 24-hour period. Provide low branches and foliage for climbing, especially for younger animals.16

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Mist the enclosure once a day to help with shedding. Provide a water bowl for drinking and soaking. Clean the enclosure regularly. Shedding problems are usually due to incorrect temperatures rather than humidity. Seek veterinary help if you notice retained shed, loss of appetite, or loose stools.36

Home where they are happiest

Enclosure around 90-120 cm long for an adult. Provide a hot spot of 28-32°C, background temperature 23-25°C, night-time drop to 18-23°C. Humidity 40-50%. Include at least two hides, a stable water bowl, suitable substrate, low branches, and foliage. Use a thermostat-controlled heat source. A UV index of 2-3 is recommended.62

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivore. In the wild they eat rodents, birds, lizards, frogs and bats. In captivity feed on appropriately sized rodents (mice and rats). Feed once a week; the prey item should not exceed the snake's girth. Babies may need scenting to accept rodents. Some males may refuse food during winter or when interested in mating.13

Company who they like around

Solitary by nature. They do not require companionship and should be housed alone to avoid stress or competition. Handling should be gentle and brief to minimise stress. There are no legal restrictions on keeping this species in most countries, but it is listed on CITES Appendix II, so international trade is regulated.24

The story where it all began

The spotted python has been kept as a pet for many decades, especially in Australia, where it is one of the most common pythons in captivity. Its small size, docile nature and easy care have made it a favourite among reptile enthusiasts and a popular beginner snake worldwide. Captive breeding is well established, and a range of colour morphs (such as albino, leucistic, ebony, melanistic and piebald) have been produced, though they are not as diverse as in ball pythons. The species was first described by Wilhelm Peters in 1873.13

Recognised by the official bits

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)

Recognised as Antaresia maculosa (W. C. H. Peters, 1873)7