Stimson Python

Scientific Name: Antaresia stimsoni

The Stimson python, which is sometimes known as the large-blotched python, has a pattern of golden to red-brown or chocolate-brown patches on a light tan to yellow background. The python is non-venomous, and kills its prey by coiling around it so that it can’t breathe. One of the smaller pythons, they grow to a metre long. Like many pythons, its head, which is bigger than its neck, contains heat sensing organs to help locate its prey. Stimsons pythons are nocturnal.

Habitat:

Central and Western Australia, in arid grasslands, shrublands, woodlands and desert. The snake favours rocky outcrops and shelters in crevices, holes, hollows and even termite mounds.

Diet:

Small mammals, frogs, birds and lizards. Like many other snakes, it can go for months without feeding.

Reproduction:

Stimson pythons lay a clutch of 5-15 eggs, which the mother incubates for about 55 days by coiling herself around the eggs.