Spotted Python (species: Antaresia maculosa) in Lizard Island area: all known taxa (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Antaresia maculosa
Spotted Python


©Lyle Vail: Spotted Python at Lizard Island Research Station

©Lyle Vail: Spotted Python at Lizard Island Research Station

©Arthur Davie: Antaresia maculosa at Lizard Island Research Station.
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Pythonidae
Genus Antaresia
Species Antaresia maculosa

Colours

         

Distinguishing features

Yellowish-brown background colour with bold pattern of dark brown blotches from head to tip of tail. The blotches have irregular boundaries, are variably shaped, and often converege to form sinuous longitudinal patterns just behind the head and near the base of the tail. As with other Antaresia, the head scalation consists of symmetrical plates, and heat-sensing pits are present on some of the lower labial scales.

Size

  • Size data has not been obtained.

Synonyms

Similar taxa

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Spotted pythons prefer rocky hillsides and outcrops with crevices and caves. They are occasionally seen in the rafters of buildings including the airstrip shelter at Lizard Island.

Behaviour

The spotted python is known to eat insectivorous bats that it catches at the entrance of their caves.

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Wilson, S. and G. Swan (2010). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia: 3rd Edition 558 pp. New Holland Publishers, Australia.

Other references

  • Limpus, C.H. (1982). The reptiles of Lizard Island, Herpetofauna, 13(2): 1-6. LIRS catalog number 73.