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Project Noah Nature School
Antaresia maculosa
A blue python? This is one of the most beautiful snakes I have ever seen - the Spotted Python, also known as Eastern Small Blotched Python. It certainly has very distinctive spotted markings, but what impressed me the most were its iridescent scales. In sunlight, they have a wonderful sheen that are highlighted gold and blue. Found along the northern east coast of Australia (northern NSW to Cape York in QLD). Adults generally average 1.2m, and are light-bodied snakes with no distinct neck. Terrestrial species although a very good rock climber, and known for climbing in bat caves and hanging out for a meal 'on the wing'. PS: This species is often confused with Children's Python (Antaresia childreni), a similar species.
This specimen is a captive animal, but as a species they like rocky outcrops, hills, escarpments, caves, dry forests, rainforest margins. Photos taken in my yard so they could have a run around the garden and enjoy the sunshine.
This little lady was very docile and well-mannered, and just happy to be out in the sun on a warm winters day. She seemed quite shy and tried to bury her head in the grass. I'm a bit nervous around snakes, but I must say this little beauty won my heart. PS: I've done nothing to enhance to colours, so what you see is what I saw in all it's natural beauty.
Spotted on Jul 21, 2013
Submitted on Jul 22, 2013
4 Comments
This one is a female and is about 5 yrs old? She is cared for and treasured by her owner, so I think she lives very well in captivity.
How many years did she have? and how did they live in captive? Beautiful colors and spots. Great photos. I'm amazed!
The photos don't do her justice. She's a magnificent creature, and the blue sheen in sunlight is really impressive. Thanks, Mark.
Magic colour sheen.