What Is a Spotted Python?
The spotted python is a member of the Antaresia genus of snakes, and bears the scientific name Antaresia maculosa. A native of Australia, it is found in the rocky, coastal Queensland regions and has also been brought into the home, where it thrives as a pet because it is one of the easiest snakes to keep in captivity. Characterized by pale background scales spotted with uneven blotches of black or dark brown that can be separate or connected by a dorsal stripe, spotted pythons can reach mature lengths of up to 4 feet (1.2 m) and can weigh up to 3 pounds (1.3 kg). They are close relatives of the anthill python, the Children’s python, and Stimson’s python. In its native environment, the spotted python can be found along the eastern edge of Australia from Cape York into New South Wales. It has also been found inhabiting several islands off the coast of Queensland. Well adapted to a variety of different kinds of terrain, it inhabits regions from rain forests and grasslands to open, rocky s
