Antaresia – Children’s pythons
Often referred to as "miniature pythons" due to their relatively small size compared to other python species
A group of small, nonvenomous pythons in the family Pythonidae, native to Australasia, particularly Australia. Commonly called Children’s pythons, the genus gets its name from its type species, Antaresia childreni, which was named by John Edward Gray in honor of his mentor, John George Children, a curator at the British Museum. Antaresia pythons are the smallest members of the python family, with most individuals measuring between 70 to 100 centimeters (27 to 39 inches) in length, making them unique compared to their larger relatives.
These pythons are known for their calm and adaptable behavior. They are nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding in rock crevices, burrows, or under debris during the day. At night, they become active hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which they subdue through constriction. Their small size and agility allow them to thrive in diverse habitats, from rocky outcrops and woodlands to grasslands and arid areas.
Antaresia pythons are also remarkable for their ability to climb trees when necessary, although they primarily remain ground-dwelling. Their temperament is generally docile, making them less aggressive and more tolerant of handling than other snake species. This trait and their manageable size have contributed to their popularity in the pet trade. These snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, and females exhibit maternal care by coiling around their eggs to regulate temperature and protect them until they hatch.
