Antaresia maculosa

Terrestrial, semi-arboreal-leaning terrarium/vivarium, enclosed and well ventilated, with branches and height for climbing

Minimum for an adult; bigger is always better (a longer enclosure is ideal). A fairly keen climber: provide sturdy branches, cork and at least two hides (a warm-side and a cool-side one). Secure, lockable lid, as these pythons are excellent escape artists.

Moderate ambient humidity. Raise it briefly during sheds by misting or adding a humid hide, then let it dry out to prevent scale rot and respiratory infections linked to stagnant humidity.

Dry to slightly damp substrate, absorbent and dust-free. Avoid softwoods such as pine/cedar (toxic, irritating oils). Remove faeces promptly and make sure the snake does not ingest substrate while feeding.

Not essential, as this is a nocturnal species; a low-output UVB tube still benefits its metabolism as long as there are enough shaded areas. Always pair it with a regular, consistent photoperiod.

A large bowl of clean water available at all times, wide enough for the snake to soak in, especially during shedding. Change the water regularly and disinfect the bowl.

Eastern and north-eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales) and southern New Guinea. The species is listed on CITES Appendix II (like all Pythonidae): keeping, sale and transport may require supporting documentation depending on local/EU regulations. As the export of wild animals from Australia is banned, only captive-bred specimens circulate legally in the trade.

Strict carnivore (rodents) — Appropriately sized mice and small rats (prey ≈ the widest diameter of the snake's body), preferably frozen-thawed

Juveniles: a pinky/fuzzy about once a week. Adults: one suitably sized prey item every week or two. A species prone to obesity: do not overfeed. Avoid live prey (risk of bites/injury to the snake).

Clutch 10–20 eggs/young. Clutches are generally larger than in Antaresia childreni. The female coils around and broods her eggs (maternal incubation is possible); in an incubator, roughly two months at a warm temperature and high humidity. A winter cooling cycle (brumation) stimulates breeding.

• Respiratory infections (open-mouth breathing, wheezing, mucus) linked to unsuitable cold or humidity
• Incomplete sheds / dysecdysis (retained patches, especially over the eyes and tail tip) due to lack of humidity
• Mites (Ophionyssus natricis)
• Scale rot / bacterial dermatitis on overly damp, dirty substrate
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and obesity from overfeeding