Stimson's python (Antaresia stimsoni)

Short answers

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

90×45×45 cm for one adult animal (ground-oriented).

Stimson's python: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 33–38 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Stimson's python: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (nocturnal), a day/night rhythm is enough.

Stimson's python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years (up to ~30).

Stimson's python: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

33–38 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

UVB not essential (nocturnal), a day/night rhythm is enough

Enclosure

Minimum size

90×45×45 cm for one adult animal (ground-oriented)

Substrate

Dry aspen shavings or a sand-soil mix; hides, and they can dig

Feeding

Food

Rodents (mice)

Feeding interval

adults every 10–14 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 90–100 cm (rarely larger)

Life expectancy

15–25 years (up to ~30)

Origin

The dry and arid regions of much of Australia

Protection status

Pythonidae → CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B; registration required in Germany (proof of origin or captive breeding needed)

Brumation

No real winter rest is needed; a slight drop in temperature to stimulate breeding

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (pythons are solitary). Put them together briefly only for supervised breeding

Notes

A small, straightforward and usually confiding species from an arid climate – a slightly hotter spot, and keep it drier. Regulate the heat with a thermostat. As an arid species, do not keep it too humid.

Do you keep this species?

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All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Stimson's python (Antaresia stimsoni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (90×45×45 cm for one adult animal (ground-oriented)), substrate (Dry aspen shavings or a sand-soil mix; hides, and they can dig), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.