Antaresia maculoza (Gestipte python)

Origin: Northern Australia
Length: up to 106 centimeters
Lifespan: up to 25 years
The spotted python owes its name to the spotted pattern it has over its body. The spotted pattern is dark brown and the body is light brown. The pattern runs from head to tail.

Care
Experience: Beginner snake keeper
Food: Live or dead prey animals.

Feeding adults: every 14 days
Feeding juveniles: Every 7 days
Water bowl: Yes
Water changes: 3 times a week
Feeding:

There is a choice to offer the prey animals live or dead. It is recommended to offer dead food. This is more practical and prevents the prey animal from injuring your snake. Additionally, it is advised to offer the prey animal using feeding tongs. If you do choose live food, you must supervise during feeding. The prey animal can also injure the snake. If you keep multiple snakes in an enclosure, feed the snakes separately. This is because when two snakes catch the same prey, they can injure each other and sometimes even eat each other. The ideal prey animal is approximately as wide as the widest part of the snake.

Water
Like other pythons, this python is a true lover of water. In addition to drinking it, they also bathe in it. The water bowl must therefore be large enough for the snake to bathe in with its entire body. This bathing can cause the water to become dirty, so it is not a problem if the water is changed more than 3 times a week.

Cleaning
To prevent diseases and bacterial buildup, the enclosure must be kept clean. This can be done weekly; additionally, it is advisable to thoroughly clean and disinfect the enclosure a few times a year. This prevents the buildup of bacteria. When cleaning, make sure to also clean the climbing branches and elevated platforms. Handling
To feed the spotted python and clean the enclosure, your snake will need to be handled. Naturally, this must be done properly to ensure the safety of both the snake and yourself. Handle the snake using a snake hook or lift it with two hands. Do not hang your snake around your neck, as if the snake falls, it will constrict around your neck. Additionally, there are some important things to keep in mind when handling a spotted python. First, ensure that your snake realizes you are going to handle it and move calmly when handling it. Also, ensure your hands are washed and do not smell of food. Finally: do not handle your snake when it is shedding and do not handle it in the dark.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for 1 snake: 80 x 40 x 50
Lying surface area: 0.5 m² with at least one raised platform per snake where the snake can lie. Daytime temperature on the warm side: 28-32C
Daytime temperature on the cooler side: 23-25C
Nighttime temperature: 20-23C
Hours of light: 12 hours

Lighting: If you want to hang UVB lamps near animals, use a maximum of 2.5% UVB and no higher. This can harm your animals.
Humidity: 60%-70%
Substrate: bark, peat, sand, or peat litter
Enclosure
The spotted python is found in the scrub forests of Australia. Here, the python lives on the ground and in branches. This must therefore be replicated with climbing opportunities in the form of climbing branches. In addition, a hiding place must be provided in the form of a burrow, cave, or piece of wood. Keep in mind that the hiding place must be large enough for the snake to lie completely underneath. Finally, just like other pythons, they have the need to be able to bathe. To be able to do this, they need a water bowl that is large enough for the snake to lie in with its entire body. There are a few extra things to keep in mind regarding the enclosure. For example, spotted pythons are quite good at escaping, so care must be taken to ensure they cannot simply open their door. You can do this by placing a lock on the enclosure. Additionally, ventilation is necessary to keep the air fresh, and it is advisable to place the enclosure out of direct sunlight and as vibration-free as possible.

Behavior
Hunting method: Constrictor
Lifestyle: Semi-arboreal & nocturnal

Character
Spotted pythons are tame and curious snakes. This makes them easy animals to keep for beginners. However, due to their curious behavior, they are also fun for experienced snake keepers who want to try something different.

Points of attention
The spotted python is a slender snake and must therefore be handled with care. This is for the well-being and health of the animal.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: The spotted python is classified as a CITES II species. To own this snake, you need CITES or transfer papers. You should receive these upon purchase.
One-time costs: These include the costs of the enclosure, lighting, heating, water tank, and decorations. This can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the cost of food, which amounts to several tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: There are costs incurred if your snake accidentally becomes ill or your equipment breaks down.