Pygmy python
Antaresia perthensis
The pythons contain the world's largest snakes, including Australia's largest snake, the rock python, Morelia amethistina. All pythons are non-venomous, killing their prey through constriction, squeezing until it suffocates. Most pythons target large vertebrate prey, such as birds, mammals and reptiles.
Even though the species name of A. perthensis is derived from the capital city of Western Australia, it is not found near Perth.
Morphology
The pygmy python is the smallest member of the genus Antaresia, typically only growing up to 60 cm. It is typically light brown or reddish-brown, with no distinct patterning.
Behaviour
The species is often called the anthill python, as individuals are often found in termite mounds, where it feeds on geckos.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Terrestrial
Is often found in termite mounds, but also found in a range of habitats.
Distribution
Mid-western Western Australia, including the Pilbara and to the south.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Boidae |
| Genus: | Antaresia |
| Species: | perthensis |
| Name Published Year: | 1932 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Stull |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/antaresia-perthensis
Accessed 31 Aug 2023
Rights
We support the open release of data and information about our collections.
Text content on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Image content on this page is copyright WA Museum.