ANT HILL PYTHON Antaresia perthensis (Stull, 1932)
Unknown for many years, this species was rediscovered in the early 1980's by the Author in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. That's where it occurs. This small python averages about 50-60 cm in length.
The scalation is smooth with 31-35 mid body rows, 212-250 ventrals, single anal, 34-45 mainly divided subcaudals.
Called the Ant Hill Python because of its' habit of occupying the large termite mounds found where this snake occurs. The Ant Hill python feeds principally on marsupial mice Antechinus sp., geckoes and skinks, all of which also live in the termite mounds. When termite mounds are not present this species may be found hiding in rock outcrops or spinifex bushes during the day. It is a strictly nocturnal species.
Specimens are almost always docile, even when freshly caught.
Mating occurs in winter, with about two very large eggs being produced in November/December which hatch around about January/February; (60 days later). Hatchlings measure about 23 cm. As of 1989, the Author was the only person to have successfully kept and bred this species. The species was bred several times by others in the 1990's.