Antaresia maculosa
VENOM: Non-venomous, bites are unlikely to require medical assistance.
SIZE: Maximum length of 105cm (Avg 75cm)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: The Spotted Python is not considered a common species throughout the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions, however populations do exist within the Scenic Rim and along the western side of the hinterland ranges.
HABITAT: The Spotted Python can be found in a range of different habitat types however they normally prefer drier areas. This species favours dry sclerophyll and dry rainforest margins where large boulders and escarpmentspersist. Nonetheless, Spotted Pythons are resilient snakes and have been recorded in heavily suburban landscapes as well.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Spotted Python has a relatively robust build and a relatively short, stocky tail. This species is normally a shade of brown with small irregular sized blotches/spots covering the dorsal surface of the snake from the head to tail tip. These spots are normally a darker shade of brown. Spotted Pythons have a very typical broad ‘python-like’ head with the presence of heat-seeking ‘pits’ along the lips.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: At the end of each breeding season, females will birth a clutch of anywhere between 4-16 eggs.
SIMILAR LOOKING SPECIES: COASTAL CARPET PYTHON, KEELBACK.
It’s important to realise that many species of snake can vary in colour, pattern and size. This often makes it very hard to make a positive identification of the snake. You should always assume that a snake is highly venomous, keep your family and pets at a safe distance and call a Gold Coast snake catcher.