Stimson's Python    Antaresia stimsoni (Smith, 1985)
The Nyangumarta aboriginals in the Pilbara call this snake mariakarringu
The Stimsons python is a relatively small python in comparison with other Australian python species and shares the same genus (Antaresia) as the worlds smallest python, the Pygmy python Antaresia perthensis found in Western Australia.

Although a lot larger than the pygmy python, 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 Northern Territory, and the wheat belt areas of south western W.A, get relatively large.

Generally speaking though, an adult Stimson's python size ranges between 500mm to 1000mm.
The Stimsons natural distribution range would probably be the largest distribution range of any Australian python. Within this huge distribution range there are several recognized morphs. These morphs were probably the result of environmental differences e.g. habitat, prey and climate differences, over thousands of years.

Their body scalation according to Smith (1985) is as follows: 36 to 47 mid body rows, 243 to 302 ventral scales and 38 to 53 sub-caudals.
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 species.

One of the more distinguishing features on the Stimson python 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 notice that the stimsons pythons found in the more sandy areas are usually of lighter body colouration than specimens found from the more rocky areas further east.

In the south western areas of W.A there is numerous wheat farms around towns that make up an area referred to, as the wheat belt district.
In the isolated granite out crops often found scattered amongst some of these wheat farms can be found a morph of Stimsons with body patterns that are slightly different than the far northern forms and some of these specimens can be truly spectacular.

Within the reptile keeping community these Stimsons are now commonly referred to as wheat belt Stimsons.

Unfortunately there has been major habitat destruction to much of these areas where they naturally occur by the breaking up of the thin sheet rock from unscrupulous reptile poachers.

I personally have witnessed the aftermath of such destruction recently and was absolutely disgusted with what I saw.     
Habitat
Stimson's pythons are remarkably adaptable and occupy a varied array of habitats.

They are commonly found in rocky out crops, sclerophyll woodlands and also inhabit termite mounds even those found in some of the harshest deserts.

Although considered by most to be generally terrestrial, they do climb and are often found high up on ledges of caves where they prey on small bats.

Food
Prey consists of small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Some people have even claimed to have witnessed Stimsons eating the occasional insect. Whether or not this is actually true, remains to be seen but would not entirely surprise me.  
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is probably not happening as frequently as it could be. As there are now large numbers held in captivity across Australia I would expect this situation to change.

To my knowledge I was one of the first breeders of the north Western Australia morph, however way back then this area morph was very rare in legal collections outside W.A. and I was just lucky enough to have a great productive pair.  

Interesting though, is the fact that I did have difficulty in breeding my specimens that originated from the Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory. I am still not yet convinced that one form is easier to breed than the other and only time will tell as more W.A Stimsons become readily available.

Stimsons found here on our Pilbara coast seem to mate right before winter (early May).  
Eggs
The average number of eggs that they lay, at this stage remains hard to accurately determine. I have had two clutches of eggs and both occasions she only laid six. I suspect that some of the larger morphs would have larger clutches and I am very keen on gathering this sort of data from as many people who have bred them across Australia to add here.

Information so far that I have gathered has shown that they can lay anything from 2 to 15 eggs. The egg incubation time is approximately 55 days at temperatures between 30 to 32 degrees. Although I have on occasions artificially incubated Stimsons eggs, I normally opt for a natural maternal incubation which I find give me more satisfaction.

Comments
Generally speaking the Stimsons python is well suited as a captive pet. I have found the temperament of these pythons to be quite placid and besides the odd exception they are normally amendable to handling.  

Most new specimens settle down well in captivity and normally thrive on freshly killed or defrosted small mammals. Rodents are the most common food given.

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 predominantly nocturnal, there is no crucial need to supply UV.
FOR AVAILABLE STOCK - Please click here.
All native reptiles here in W.A remain protected under the W.A Wildlife Conservation Act (1950)