Children's python

Antaresia childreni
Children's python
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Antaresia
Species:
A. childreni
Binomial name
Antaresia childreni
(Gray, 1842)
Synonyms
  • Liasis childreni
    Gray, 1842
  • Liasis gilbertii
    Gray, 1842
  • Liasis maculosus
    W. Peters, 1873
  • Liasis childreni
    Boulenger, 1893
  • Antaresia childreni
    Kluge, 1993

Children's python (Antaresia childreni) is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is named after John George Children. It is a nocturnal species occurring in the northern half of Australia and generally found on the ground, although it often climbs trees. Usually growing to about 1.0 m (3 ft) in length or more depending on the polymorphic variant, it is typically a reddish-brown colour, darker on the upper surface, and with many darker blotches, especially on younger specimens. The Stimson's python variant has much stronger and more variable colours; often being adorned with reddish-brown to chocolate blotches against lighter tan. It feeds mostly on small mammals and birds, and as with other pythons, it constricts its prey before swallowing it whole. It is a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts.

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