PYTHONS

Common Name	Species	Origin	Adult size	Notes
African Rock Python	Python sebae sebae	Central Africa	8-25'	Both the African Rock Python species can be considered together as they have similar natures (read: gripey). Their habitat varies with age: juveniles are found in drier areas, but as they mature they make their way towards water. Husbandry is very similar to that for Burmese- and Reticulated Pythons, and the same warnings apply. Bartlett & Wagner also note that imported hatchlings rarely seem to improve their temperament with age. Although they are attractive, the market for giant snakes ideally should be restricted, so breeding need not be a prerequisite with Rock Pythons, at least until imports from the wild begin to drop. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
African Dwarf Rock Python	Python sebae natalensis	Southern Africa	8-14½'
Angolan Python	Python anchietae	Angola, Namibia	4-5'	The Angolan Python is an easy snake to care for in captivity but extremely rarely seen, as it is legally protected in Namibia while civil war and extensive minelaying have made collection difficult in Angola. Their habitats tend to be rocky escarpments with very little rain, hot days and much colder (occasionally freezing) nights. In view of the rarity in captivity of these pythons, they are probably best left to herpetoculturists who can set up breeding programs for them. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Anthill Python	Antaresia perthensis	Pilbara and adj. rocky territories in NW Aust.	18-23"	Formerly (and misleadingly) known as the Perth Python, the Anthill Python derives its name from its habitat of termite mounds (known in Australia as anthills). It preys primarily on lizards, notably the gecko Gehyra pillbara which is also associated with termite mounds. Only 2-5 eggs per clutch are laid, always within the termite mound. Colouring is yellow to red with some blotching which becomes less distinct with age. Bartlett & Wagner note that these pythons adapt well to captivity, but does not mention whether they can safely or easily be taught to take rodent prey instead of lizards. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Bismarck Ringed Python	Bothrochilus boa	Bismarck islands (P.N.G)	3-6'	Formerly classified as a member of the Liasis (Water Python) genus. Bartlett & Wagner describe these pythons as "mild-mannered and agreeable". They do not seem to fall distinctly into either the nocturnal or diurnal category, and likewise their habitat varies between forest, open land and cultivated areas. However, they do need fairly high humidity, even in the incubator. The young are born in bright orange and olive green colours that may be a mimicry protection, as the snakes rapidly fade to a brown colour as they mature. In captivity Bismarcks need a water bowl to soak in as well as the aforementioned humidity: a hot spot is also necessary, as is a hidebox. They will mostly take mice, although a few individuals may need to have their food scented with a lizard or snake before they will take it. They should not be disturbed unnecessarily while eating. Cages need not be tall as these pythons are primarily terrestrial. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Black-Headed Python	Aspidites melanocephalus	N. Australia	5-8'	Expensive snake (upwards of £2,000 if you live in the UK) that is still quite rare and also challenging to keep and breed in captivity. Black-Headed Pythons live in coastal forests and woodlands, avoiding very dry areas. In nature they take lizards and snakes (Breen notes that they will attack even the most venomous snakes), and are also cannibalistic. Apart from these problems, they are considered relatively undemanding, although obviously should be kept individually when outside of the mating season. This is another snake that, given its price tag and rarity, is best left to experts. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Blood Python	Python curtus brongersmai	SE Asia	10'	Blood Pythons and their subspecies (collectively known as Short-Tailed Pythons) are among those unfortunate creatures whose primary export is for skins, as they are attractively coloured: the Blood Pythons in red, the Short-Tailed Pythons in mottled shades of tan, gray and black. They are wide-bodied snakes that in nature habitate marshy areas, a condition that definitely needs to be replicated in their captive state to avoid respiratory problems. Bartlett & Wagner suggest that at least some captives would benefit from a damp substrate to burrow in. They also need to be able to stretch out in their cages, again to avoid respiratory problems. Feeding is not so much of a problem, as Short-Tailed Pythons take rodents, small mammals and birds in the wild. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Borneo Short-Tailed Python	P. c. breitensteini	Borneo	5'
Sumatran Short-Tailed Python	P. c. curtus	S. & W. Sumatra
Boelen's Python	Morelia boeleni	New Guinea	6-8'	Extremely rare (at least outside its homeland, where it is protected) and therefore very expensive python that occurs mainly in the forest highlands above 1,000 m (over 3,000 ft). This natural habitat is humid but cool, and the light is somewhat less than at lower altitudes. Young Boelen's pythons in captivity tend to be very skittish but as adults do calm down and feed on rodents and small rabbits (Bartlett & Wagner). Breeding has proved rather difficult, even for zoos. Again, even if you have the money you should avoid this python unless you can breed it. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Brown Water Python	Liasis fuscus	N. Australia, Cornwallis Island (Torres Strait), E. Irian Jaya, W. Papua	4-8'	Rather bad-tempered water python that in nature remains in one area (usually with high humidity, such as wet forest or drainage plain) and feeds on whatever it can find. Bartlett & Wagner recommend continuous handling to calm the snake down and thus reduce its propensity for spraying excreta when excited. It is also to be noted that some experts consider L. fuscus to be simply a colour phase of another species, L. mackloti (Macklot's Python). Feeding is at least reasonably simple as these pythons will take most things, including (in the wild) eggs of water birds. Interestingly, hatchlings do not eat until 4-5 months old. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Burmese Pythons	Python molurus	SE Asia	7-25'	See text below for details of the three subspecies of this popular python.
Burmese Python	Python molurus bivittatus	Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia	7-25'	One of the most popular and at the same time feared pythons, the Burmese Python has perhaps been unjustly maligned, given its normally good nature (described by Bartlett & Wagner as "gentle and docile"). Nevertheless the fact remains that this is potentially an enormous serpent. While adults normally reach a limit of 10-14', individuals of 20-25' are by no means unknown and as far as I know it is not possible to predict from a hatchling how big it will grow. This, and the fact that they are extremely powerful snakes, should given any potential Burmese owner pause for thought. They also defecate on a scale that has been compared with horses and at full adult size requires feeding with prey items up to chicken and rabbit size. If you can deal with these requirements, and are aware of the risk factor should a Burmese escape or mistake you or your kin for a food item, then these are actually quite nice creatures and are attractive into the bargain. In the wild they habitate open, cultivated or wooded areas, and also swim well - some in captivity like to soak in a water bowl. Breeding of these snakes has been so successful that if anything it may be necessary to discourage it for a while as too many have found their way into animal sanctuaries over the past few years. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Ceylon Python	Python m. pimbura	Sri Lanka	10-11'	Somewhat smaller subspecies of P. molurus that resembles the Indian Python but is a little more intensely coloured (Bartlett & Wagner). Import or purchase of these pythons does not require the paperwork needed for the Indian Python. In view of the advantages of this snake (relatively limited size and lack of complication in obtaining), this might be a better candidate for breeding. Husbandry is otherwise the same as for other P. molurus subspecies. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Indian (Rock) Python	Python m. molurus	India, W. Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka	8-15'	This is the nominate form of P. molurus, and is also protected under CITES I, making it difficult to obtain unless the individual python has been intergraded with the Ceylon or Burmese Python in the past (Bartlett & Wagner). It inhabits similar areas to the Burmese Python and requires similar husbandry. It is also a good climber. Unlike the Burmese, some individuals at least of the Indian Python do turn up with a bad temperament, although this can be alleviated (carefully) with handling. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Carpet Pythons	Morelia spilota	Australia and New Guinea	7-25'	See text below for details of four subspecies of this popular python.
Diamond Python	Morelia s. spilota	E. New South Wales	6-7½'	A convenient sized and attractive python that is fairly docile, the only drawback to the Diamond Python is breeding, which is considered difficult. Nevertheless it is highly coveted and for that reason expensive. Its natural habitat is forest land (not too dense), river areas and rocky ledges, but especially during colder weather it is known to seek shelter in or around human habitations. Natural diet is rodents and marsupials. Colouring is overall black with cream-coloured diamond markings on the back and sides and a cream-yellow ventrum. Bartlett and Wagner suggest both an elevated and a ground hide box. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Carpet Python	Morelia s. variegata		6-7½'	. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Coastal Carpet Python	Morelia s. mcdowelli	New South Wales, Australia	6-14'	One of the most commonly found Carpet Python subspecies in captivity, at least in the US. Although 14' maximums have been recorded, the usual maximum is 8', at least in the wild. Colouring is dorsally dark fading to pale ventrally, with pale-edge dark blotches. M. s. mcdowelli is another snake that can be found around human habitations. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Jungle Carpet Python	Morelia s. cheynei	Atherton tableland, Australia	5½-8'	These pythons are found along the rivers and drainages and in the subtropical rainforest areas of their range. They are highly arboreal and a tall cage with different levels is an essential. Apart from this requirement they are apparently fairly easy: only a few reach 8' in length, 5½' being the normal adult size. Basic colouring is dark blotches on a cream-yellow background. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Centralian Python	Morelia bredli	S. of Northern Territory, Australia	5-6½'	Considered by some to be a subspecies of the Carpet Pythons Morelia spilota, the Centralian Python is not well known outside of Australia. It does appear very similar to the Carpet- and Diamond Pythons but its colouring is richer, being usually somewhat red, and the scalation is smaller (Bartlett and Wagner). It is secretive in the wild but is found in a variety of habitats, including trees and shrubs in river drainage areas, rocky outcrops, crevices and caves. Bartlett and Wagner note that some specimens tend to refuse rats and need gerbils or hamsters instead. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Children's Python	Antaresia childreni	N. Central Australia (coastal)	3-3½'	Nothing to do with children as such but with a British Museum zoological keeper, John Children, in whose honour this python was named (actually it was a different snake - see Bartlett & Wagner). Although perhaps not as well known as the Royal Python P. regius, the Children's Python is in some ways an easier pet, being smaller and less fussy about food, and breeds well in captivity. They also have good dispositions. Perhaps the biggest problem is obtaining one, since Australian wildlife is protected and those keepers in the rest of the world depend therefore on captive-bred specimens from existing stock. This nocturnal python is reddish- or earth-brown in colouration with a pale underbelly. There are darker coloured blotches on the dorsal part of the body but these tend to blend in with the overall colour as the snake ages. There is usually also a paler stripe along the first third of the body where the ventrum joins the dorsum. Habitat in nature is very catholic, including dry woodlands but also river edges, termite mounds, and caves, where these snakes prey on bats. The only possible difficulty with any hatchlings of this species is that some may need their food (if the usual rodent fare) scented with a lizard. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Green Tree Python	Morelia viridis	Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya and Cape York, Australia	6-7'	One of the most sought-after snakes in the world for its beauty, the Green Tree Python is expensive, sometimes temperamental and difficult to breed in captivity, mainly due to egg problems. Rundquist devotes a section in his book to the problem of egg failure, and Bartlett and Wagner also offer suggestions. Hatchlings are often beautifully coloured in yellow, blue or red, but this usually becomes the emerald green of maturity in adulthood. Morelia viridis was until recently classified as Chondropython viridis, and some herpetologists still refer to these snakes as "chondros". DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Large-Blotched Python (aka Stimson's Python)	Antaresia stimsoni	W. & C. Australia	35-39"	For such a small python it may seem surprising that it has a huge number of teeth - 150 - and also the largest range of any Australian python. There is still much to be established about their natural history but they appear to be nocturnal snakes that prefer arid areas including scrub, termite mounds and caves occupied by bats. Basic overall pattern is yellow which is made to look darker by the many large dorsal maroon blotches on the snake. They resemble other Antaresia species, notably the Children's and the Small-Blotched, but can be distinguished from the former by their longer snout and larger eyes and from the latter by a pale lateral line that runs from the neck up to a third or half way down the body. In captivity they settle down and can be kept much as other Antaresia species. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Macklot's Python	Liasis mackloti	SE Indonesia	6'	Increasingly popular python among herpetoculturists due to the adaptability of mature individuals to captivity, although even captive-bred young are ill-disposed to start with. Macklot's Pythons are a brown-green dorsally, fading towards the ventral surface where they are normally white, but there are some slight variations on this basic pattern. In nature they live in areas of fairly high humidity (river basins, wet savannah and Indonesian forest) and this needs to be replicated in captivity or respiratory- or eye infections will occur. Captive specimens normally take rodents or fowl. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
New World Python	Loxocemus bicolor	Mexico	3-4'	See the entry under Classification of Pythons for the confusion about whether this snake is in fact a true python. Not much is known about L. bicolor, either in the wild or in captivity, except that it is a rather secretive burrower. Nevertheless it is not unattractive, with a bluish sheen to its scales and an enlarged rostral scale rather like that of a Hognose Snake. They are not difficult to keep and offer an area of research for the interested keeper. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Oenpelli Python	Morelia oenpelliensis	Northern Territory, Australia (extreme north)	9-15½'	Largest of the Morelia species and not officially classified until 1977, very few of this fairly calm species are in captivity. Part of the problem is that although the snakes breed readily, the failure rate of the eggs is quite high. In nature the Oenpelli Python is mainly saxicolous (rock-dwelling) but can also be found up trees searching for mammalian prey. Colouring is red-brown with darker blotches forming 4-6 longitudinal stripes. The only problem with Oenpellis is that according to Bartlett & Wagner they feed much more readily on birds than rodents. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Olive Python	Liasis olivaceous	N. & W. Australia (coastal districts)	8-15'	Largeish snake (though maximum size is usually 13') with a propensity for biting, hence not terribly popular among keepers. Natural habitat is river gorges and rocky escarpments, where these snakes prey upon mammals, birds and sometimes lizards. There are two subspecies, but only the nominate form is usually kept in captivity. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Papuan Python	Apodora papuanus	Western New Guinea (Papua and Irian Jaya)	14'	Formerly a member of the Liaisis genus, but reclassified in 1993 into its own genus. This is a heavy-bodied terrestrial python of forested or grassland areas that, while apparently less aggressive than the big Python species, does not refrain from biting, which has somewhat limited its appeal. Apart from this they are fairly opportunistic in their choice of prey and thus can be easily fed. According to Bartlett and Wagner these snakes are fairly easy to obtain. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Rough-Scaled Python	Morelia carinata	W. Australia (north coast)	6'	Very little known python established from only four specimens found in one river drainage area. In appearance it is similar to the Carpet- and Centralian Pythons, but most of its natural history is still conjecture and reasonable guesswork. No details of captive requirements are available as yet, but Bartlett and Wagner suggest conditions would be the same as for the other Morelia species. Their habitat in any case is the threatened relic monsoon forest, which together with the unknown but possibly low numbers of the snake in the wild make it unlikely that many will be seen in captivity in the foreseeable future. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Reticulated Python	Python reticulatus	India, SE Asia, Philippines, Indo-Pacific islands	8-30'	The biggest, one of the most beautiful but certainly one of the most dangerous pythons, the Reticulated Python is perhaps the prime example of a snake (or indeed any reptile) that is only suitable for keeping by a few people. In its habits and habitat it may be compared with the South American Giant Anaconda: both like water, swim well, climb well, and are extremely aggressive. Most individuals as adults reach 10-14', while some from a few populations only grow to 8', but as with the Burmese, it is hard to tell if you have a potential giant on your hand. Given their nature, even the non- record-breakers should be handled by two people (not just one). Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Retics, as they are known, is their ability to apparently distinguish between different human individuals: strangers can cause a display of anger. Apart from the obvious danger of constriction, bites from these snakes are also quite fearsome. If you must keep a Reticulated Python you will need a very large, very secure cage, a large bowl or tub of water, and a supply of food items such as rabbits. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Sawu Python	Liasis mackloti savuensis	Sawu (nr. Indonesia)	5'	There is some controversy as to whether the Sawu Python is a species in its own right or simply a subspecies of Macklot's Python. It was only discovered in 1993 and certainly appears different to Macklot's Python, being a coral colour and smaller, and also less aggressive in its wild state. Natural habitat is woodlands, and diet the usual rodents and birds. They adapt well to captivity. Their main disadvantage is that although common on Sawu, the small size of the island means that prices will be high for some time. For that and conservation reasons, this is one python which is really crying out for captive breeding, and which according to Bartlett is not hard to encourage in this direction. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Scrub Python	Morelia amethystina	NE Queensland, Australia: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia	15-27'	Although lesser-known than the Reticulated Python P. reticulatus, the Scrub Python offers much the same sort of problems, ie unpredicably large size with a bad temperament. Unlike most python young, M. amethystina individuals grow more grouchy with age. They are heavy-bodied snakes, which is possibly why they are also a food item for the locals. Colour and patterning are variable, but the snake can be distinguished by its size and the rough patterning of the scales which look as if they are joined together in a sort of chainwork. There is not much demand for Scrub Pythons, but if you want to keep one then a large, tall dry cage is necessary. They will take rodents, birds and rabbits, and strike at their keeper if slightly inclined. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3
Spotted Python	Antaresia maculosa	E/NE Australia	43-65"	This is the snake that was formerly known as the Children's Python to keepers in the West. It is a handsome snake, being overall tan with dark blotches that unlike those of many pythons retain their distinctive shape and colour as the snake ages. In the wild it is a creature of wooded, forested and/or semi-arid areas. Although lengths of up to 65" have been recorded, the normal size is 43-47". Also unusual is the fact that in captivity Spotted Pythons will live fairly well together in pairs, trios or two pairs. This, together with their size, disposition and ease of breeding, makes them an ideal python pet. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
Timor Python	Python timorensis	Timor and Flores (Indonesia)	6'	The Timor python is rarely seen in captivity and is thus fairly expensive. Its handleable size is offset by rather a grouchy temperament, and it will bite and excrete readily if handled. It is nevertheless an attractive snake with a brownish pattern on a usually yellow background (or some shade thereof). Habitat is open grassland or open tropical forest (Bartlett and Wagner). Although not hard to maintain in captivity, they are apparently hard to breed, and for the foreseeable future this snake is likely to be found mainly in the hands of specialist breeders (as it probably should be). DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
West African Burrowing Python	Calabria reinhardtii	West Africa, esp. Liberia & Cameroons	18-40"	The Burrowing Python is similar to the New World Python inasmuch as it likes to burrow, if not below the surface of the ground then at least under leaf litter or other debris, and as it is subject to some confusion over whether it is actually a python or a boa. Like L. bicolor, C. reinhardtii also has an enlarged nostral scale to assist in locomotion through its environment. It is a fairly easy snake to keep: maximum size given above is misleading since most individuals only reach 18" and can be easily kept in a terrarium provided there is an adequate depth of substrate for burrowing. Bartlett and Wagner also note that captive-bred young are less shy and seem content on just a substrate of newspaper: they are also less fussy about the rodent prey they accept. Both wild-caught and captive-bred specimens are fairly hardy. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1
White-Lipped Python	Leiopython albertisii	Islands of Torres Straits, N. Australia: N. Guinea below 6,250 ft: island of Mussau, Bismarck archipelago	7-9'	Formerly known as D'Albertis Python, this is another water-loving, attractive but bad-tempered python. There are three colour phases: solid black with white lips (only this form reaches the maximum of 9'): grey with a darker head and cream-coloured labial scales: and most usually, dark dorsally, golden sides and a black head with white lips with dark spots. Natural habitat is rain forest, swamp or grasslands near water. It is nocturnal. In captivity persistent and frequent handling is required to calm these snakes down, during which time a keeper may be bitten quite frequently. However, patience apparently does pay off. Another problem is that hatchlings are also aggressive towards one another so need to be separated and unless given sufficient humidity will suffer respiratory problems - as will adults. Despite these difficulties and potential discouragements the White-Lipped Python is fairly popular with serious herpetoculturists and breeders. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2
Woma	Aspidites ramsayi	Interior of Australia from east to west	5½-8'	The Woma has only become available outside of Australia within the last 20 years, and even now remains expensive. It is a nocturnal, terrestrial snake that prefers semi-arid or desert habitats. 8' is the maximum length but most individuals grow between 5½-6'. Although its tan- to yellow-coloured body is striped in dark brown or black it lacks the black head of its close relative the Black-Headed Python, and is supposedly somewhat easier to breed. Their temperament is normally good. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3