Antaresia maculosa
Spotted Python
©Lyle Vail: Spotted Python at Lizard Island Research Station
©Lyle Vail: Spotted Python 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
-
Animalia:
species: Antaresia childreni
does not occur at Lizard Island despite records of it in early literature. These are based on misidentifications.
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.