
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Antaresia maculosa
A small python in pale brown with large, highly contrasted dark blotches that usually have ragged edges. It is the largest species of Antaresia, normally 100-140 cm long, and the irregular blotching persists throughout life.
The spotted python (Antaresia maculosa) is a small python of eastern Australia and New Guinea. It is normally 100-140 cm long, with a record of 180 cm, making it the largest species of Antaresia. Large dark blotches with ragged edges stand out strongly against a pale brown ground: it differs from A. perthensis in having larger, better contrasted blotches and from A. childreni in being blotched at all, or in lacking gaps between the blotches on the anterior third of the body. Ventral scale counts are high at 249-280. The blotched pattern remains irregular throughout life. Small and even-tempered, it is popular with keepers in Australia and abroad. Wilhelm Peters described it in 1873, and two subspecies were recognised in 2020. The New Guinea populations have been proposed as a separate species, A. papuensis, but ITIS and the Reptile Database currently treat them as synonymous. It is relatively slow-moving and hardy and may live up to 30 years with good care.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Spotted Python lives Up to 30 years with proper care.
The Spotted Python grows to Usually 100-140cm, with a record of 180cm and a maximum SVL of 122cm.
Origin
Australia (New South Wales and eastern Queensland) and New Guinea, in forest and woodland with rocky outcrops
Lifespan
Up to 30 years with proper care
Size
Usually 100-140cm, with a record of 180cm and a maximum SVL of 122cm
Sources: ReptiFiles: Spotted Python Care Sheet / Reptile Database: Antaresia maculosa / Wikipedia (English)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Antaresia maculosa (Peters, 1873)
Synonyms: Liasis maculosus Peters, 1873, Antaresia maculosa brentonoloughlini Hoser, 2003
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
All species of family Pythonidae spp. have been listed on CITES Appendix II (effective February 4, 1977). Because it is on Appendix II, registration as an international rare species is not required. Among specific animals listed in the Schedule of the Enforcement Ordinance of the Animal Protection and Management Law, only five python species are designated: amethystine python, Australian scrub python, Indian python, reticulated python, and African python, and this species is not included. It is also not designated as a specified alien species under the Enforcement Ordinance of the Alien Species Law. The IUCN Red List assessment is Least Concern (LC).
Sources: CITES Species+ (Pythonidae spp., Appendix II, effective 4 February 1977) / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, appended table
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Humidity
20〜80%
Carnivorous: small mammals, birds and lizards
Keep the basking surface and the warm hide at 32 C and the ambient temperature on the cool side at 26-29 C. Heating can be switched off at night, and temperatures may safely fall to 20 C. With a humid hide permanently available, ambient humidity anywhere between 20 and 80 percent is fine.
Most animals in trade top out around 90 cm, so an enclosure of about 90 x 45 x 45 cm is the minimum. As a snake of rocky forest it should have hides on both the warm and cool sides plus branches or shelves to climb, and one humid hide.
It takes small mammals, birds and lizards, constricting them and swallowing them whole. In captivity offer frozen-thawed mice sized to the snake. It never grows large, so avoid increasing prey size too far.
Small, slow-moving and largely docile, it tolerates handling well. It is hardy and feeds readily, making it manageable as a first python. Being nocturnal it usually stays hidden by day. Do not house males together.
All Pythonidae have been listed on CITES Appendix II since 4 February 1977, and being Appendix II the species needs no Japanese registration certificate. Only five pythons appear on the schedule of designated dangerous animals under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, and this is not one of them. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern. It is easily confused with its congeners, so check the blotch pattern and the scientific name when buying.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The average lifespan of Spotted Python is Up to 30 years with proper care. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Spotted Python typically reaches Usually 100-140cm, with a record of 180cm and a maximum SVL of 122cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Spotted Python feeds on: Carnivorous: small mammals, birds and lizards. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Spotted Python varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026