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Papuan pygmy python (Antaresia papuensis)

Snakes · Difficulty: Beginner

Key facts and care guidance for Papuan pygmy python (Antaresia papuensis) (origin: Southern New Guinea, Cape York). Adult size around 80–120 cm. Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Papuan pygmy python: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×50 cm.

Papuan pygmy python: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 34 °C, at night 22–25 °C.

Papuan pygmy python: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Papuan pygmy python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–25 years.

Papuan pygmy python: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–32 °C
Night temperature
22–25 °C
Basking spot
34 °C
Humidity
55–70 %
UVB
Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×50×50 cm
Substrate
Coco humus and bark mulch, cork tubes, climbing branches, a water dish

Feeding

Food
Frozen-thawed mice of a suitable size
Feeding interval
1×/week

Key facts

Adult size
80–120 cm
Life expectancy
20–25 years
Origin
Southern New Guinea, Cape York
Protection status
Protected: CITES Appendix II, EU Annex B - proof of origin required at purchase and resale.
Brumation
A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.

Notes

Split from the childreni complex in 2021. Like all Antaresia straightforward, long-lived and suitable for beginners – it likes to climb, so a few stable branches are part of the setup.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Papuan pygmy python (Antaresia papuensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm), substrate (Coco humus and bark mulch, cork tubes, climbing branches, a water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleckenpython, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antaresia_papuensis

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).