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Stimson's Python - Antaresia stimsoni
HABITAT PHOTO	Stimson's Python  Antaresia stimsoni The Stimsons natural distribution range would probably be the largest distribution range of any Australian python. Within this huge range there are several recognized morphs. These morphs were probably the result of environmental differences e.g.: habitat, and climate differences, over thousands of years. The Stimsons python is a relatively small python and belongs to the same genus as the pygmy python Antaresia perthensis which is actually the smallest python found in the world. It is hard to accurately determine an average size of this python because among these geographically  spread morphs there are  obvious size differences. As an example in the Mt Carbine and other areas of far north Queensland they are indeed very small where as the Stimsons found in the barrow creek area of the Northern Territory get relatively large. Stimsons pythons are commonly encountered or associated with rocky out crops, woodlands and also inhabit large termite mounds. Although considered by most to be terrestrial they do climb and are often found high up on ledges of caves where they often prey on small bats. Stimsons also prey on frogs, lizards, and small mammals. Compared to other Antaresia species the Stimsons body pattern is usually more defined and in my opinion it is the most attractive out of all the Antaresia's. One of the more distinguishing features on the Stimsons is a line or stripe of base colour that runs laterally down each side of its neck and often up to a third of its total body length. In the Pilbara district we find that the Stimsons pythons found in the more sandy areas are usually lighter in body colour than the ones found from the more rocky areas.
In Captivity Generally speaking the Stimsons python is well suited as a captive pet.  I have found the temperament of these pythons to be quite good and besides the odd exception they are normally amendable to handling.  Most new specimens settle in captivity well and will usually thrive. Breeding stimsons is captivity is probably not happening as frequently as could but there are now large numbers held across Australia and I would expect this to change. To my knowledge I was one of the first breeders of the north Western Australia morph but back then this area morph was very rare in legal collections out side W.A. I did however have difficulty in breeding my specimens that originated from the Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory. Stimsons should be set up in a way where they are not exposed to excess humidity as they are a python primarily associated with dry country. As this python is considered to be nocturnal there is no crucial need to supply UV. Food Captive Stimsons thrive on freshly killed or defrosted small mammals. Rodents are the most common food given.