Pygmy python

Pygmy python
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1 )
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
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

The pygmy python (Antaresia perthensis), also known as the anthill python, is a

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 both the Children's 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 20 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, supplemented with

. Anything larger is usually a stressor on their system, although 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 even about 6 months they still are measured in gram weight due to their small "pocket" size.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

References

External links

• Antaresia perthensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 11 September 2007.
• Antaresia perthensis juveniles and adults available at the AnthillPython.com. Accessed 3 May 2013.