Python - Amethystine

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Scrub Python Scientific Name: Morelia amethistina

Basic Info

The Amethystine Python is a very long snake, usually more than twelve feet and sometimes over 20 feet. Unlike some other giant snakes, they have very slender bodies. The Amethystine Python's head is long with large shields. They are yellowish brown or a shade of olive with faint dark brown or black bands, streaks and blotches. Their scales have a beautiful sheen, which is where they get their name. The sheen appears as the animals mature. They have a dark marking between the eye and the mouth.

Health

The Amethystine Python prefers moderate humidity levels. Breeding To breed Amethystine Pythons, the temperature should be lowered to about 22 degrees Celsius for about five weeks. After this period, the female will usually shed, and several weeks after shedding will lay her eggs. The clutch will often contain around five eggs and will be laid in a secure, shallow depression in the substrate. The eggs should be incubated at between 29 and 31.5 degrees Celsius. They will usually hatch after between 85 and 87 days of incubation.

Habitat

Usually be found at night hunting near rivers and streams

Behavior

The Amethystine Python is a large snake found in Australia and surrounding islands. They are very shy, solitary animals and are rare in captivity. As captive-bred Amethystine Pythons become available, their popularity is increasing. The Amethystine Python is sometimes known as the Scrub Python. A nocturnal animal, the Amethystine Python can usually be found at night hunting near rivers and streams. They are very shy animals and are rarely seen by humans. The Amethystine Python feeds primarily on mammals, which they find using heat sensing organs on their lips. Amethystine Pythons spend a lot of their time in trees. They also enjoy the water. They usually make their home in rainforests in the summer and in open valleys during the winter. Although they are generally solitary animals, during the winter they may bask together in large groups. Amethystine Pythons are sometimes aggressive.

Origin

Indo-Pacific

History

Amethystine Pythons can be found in Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia and surrounding islands. They are generally easy to keep in captivity, and are gradually becoming more common as pets. There is little indication that Amethystine Pythons are threatened in the wild.

Common Foods

feeds primarily on mammals