Children's Python
[Antaresia childreni]
The Children's Python is a relatively small python, of moderate build, rarely exceeding five feet in length and is one of Australia's most common pythons. The head is wedge-shaped and pointed. The under-side is white, but the main color is light brown or beige heavily marked with many round to elongated black blotches. In the Northern Territories unmarked specimen occur.
Location: Animals Formerly at Zoo
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Range
The Children's Python's range includes much of Australia.
Habitat
Children's Pythons inhabit primarily dry brush-lands and rocky areas.
Conservation Status
Least ConcernPrimary Threats
Gestation
Incubation: Variable with temperature, from 7 to 15 weeks, averaging 49.9 days.
Litter
Clutch: 10 to 20 eggs
Behavior
The Children's Python is generally docile. It tends to be more nocturnal, holing up in termite mounds, caves, crevices, etc. during the day. They will not hesitate to climb if in pursuit of prey.
Reproduction
In northern Australia mating of Children's Pythons is from May to August. Eggs are laid in ground nests from September to October. The female coils her body around the eggs to aid in incubation, and also to defend them from predators. The newly hatched young are about ten inches in length.
Wild Diet
Lizards, bats, small mammals
Zoo Diet
Mice