Macklot's python (Liasis mackloti)

Short answers

Macklot's python: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 180×120×180 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Australian rock pythons); a large, sturdy water pool.

Macklot's python: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–30 °C, basking spot 31–33 °C (max. ~34 °C, do not exceed for long), at night 24–26 °C.

Macklot's python: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential.

Macklot's python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Macklot's python: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–30 °C

Night temperature

24–26 °C

Basking spot

31–33 °C (max. ~34 °C, do not exceed for long)

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

UVB not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 180×120×180 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Australian rock pythons); a large, sturdy water pool

Substrate

Moisture-retaining bark mulch or coco humus; a damp shedding box for the moult

Feeding

Food

Rodents (mice or rats), chicks; large animals also take rabbits

Feeding interval

adults 1× every 10–14 days, juveniles 1× every 7 days

Key facts

Adult size

150–210 cm, up to approx. 240 cm

Life expectancy

15–25 years

Origin

The Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor, Roti, Semau) / Indonesia; related forms as far as New Guinea

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – registration required, proof of origin.

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – solitary and with a very strong feeding and biting response; put them together only briefly for supervised breeding

Notes

A robust, active species with a pronounced bite reflex and feeding response (take care when feeding). A good climber despite its ground-oriented way of life – offer branches. Do not exceed about 34 °C on the warm side.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Macklot's python (Liasis mackloti) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Olive python (Liasis olivaceus) – Intermediate
• Water python (Liasis fuscus) – Intermediate
• Amethystine python (Simalia amethistina) – Intermediate to expert
• Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
• Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni) – Intermediate
• Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) – Intermediate
• Boelen's python (Simalia boeleni) – Expert
• Burmese python (Python bivittatus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Macklot's python (Liasis mackloti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 180×120×180 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Australian rock pythons); a large, sturdy water pool), substrate (Moisture-retaining bark mulch or coco humus; a damp shedding box for the moult), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.