Pygmy python

The pygmy python (Antaresia perthensis), also known as the anthill python, is a species of snake found in Western Australia. Their common names refer to the fact that they are the smallest member of the family Pythonidae and are often found in termite mounds. The specific epithet is derived from the state capital, Perth, despite the fact that this place is not within the range of the species.[2] No subspecies are currently recognized.[3]

Pygmy python
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Antaresia
Species:
A. perthensis
Binomial name
Antaresia perthensis
Stull, 1932
Synonyms[1]
  • Liasis childreni perthensis - Stull, 1932
  • Liasis perthensis - Cogger, Cameron & Cogger, 1983
  • Bothrochilus perthensis - Cogger, Cameron & Cogger, 1983
  • Morelia perthensis - Underwood & Stimson, 1990
  • Liasis perthensis - Cogger, 1992
  • Antaresia perthensis - Kluge, 1993

Description

Adults grow to about 50 cm (19.5 in) in length and have a weight near 210 grams. Neonates are about 8 inches (20 cm) in length and about 4 grams in weight. After a year they average about 25 grams in weight. This makes them smaller than either the Children's python, A. childreni, and the spotted python, A. maculosa. A. perthensis usually has a redder background ground color than these other species and their spots fade, or become less distinct, as they mature. In contrast, the ground color is lighter in childreni and maculosa, while their spots stay better defined throughout their life.

Distribution and habitat

Found in Australia in the northwest of Western Australia and on some coastal islands. The type locality given is "Perth, West Australia" (Western Australia); an erroneous assumption of the place where the specimen was collected. The unfamiliarity of Europeans with the place of a specimen's collection has given rise to other 'naming peculiarities'.[2] According to L.A. Smith (1985), the type locality is unknown.[1]

Housing

In captivity anthill pythons can be housed (and bred) in something as small as a 5.5 gallon tank. Although reptile specific enclosures are best, a simple fish tank may be used for short or long-term housing. They may be fed mice as part of their regular diet and supplemented with fuzzy rats. Anything larger is usually a stressor on their system even though they will still try to eat it. Once anthill pythons get started eating they rarely refuse a meal except for breeding season or during part of their shedding cycle.

After only about 6 months they still are measured in gram weight due to their small "pocket" size.

Reproduction

The pygmy python is oviparous, with 5-8 eggs per clutch. The females will stay coiled around the eggs (lifting them off the substrate) and incubate them until they hatch, which is usually after 50–60 days.

In captivity

This snake is a popular exotic pet.

References
  1. McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. Browne-Cooper, R.; Bush, B.; Maryan, B.; Robinson, D. (2007). "Houtman Abrolhos". Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. ISBN 978-1-920694-74-6.
  3. "Antaresia perthensis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 August 2007.
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