Why a Spotted Python Might Be the Ideal Reptile Companion for You

When a reptile enthusiast mentions their "Mac," they might not be talking about the latest Apple product.

Instead, they could be referring to one of the most intriguing small snakes you'll come across. And yes, 'small' is key here. The spotted python, native to Australia, is much more compact compared to its larger relatives, such as the massive reticulated python, which can stretch over 20 feet (6 meters). This little guy keeps things more modest.

Wondering how small? For adult spotted pythons, an average length of 36 to 42 inches (91 to 106 centimeters) is typical. This makes them one of the smallest pythons in the world.

The spotted python gets its nickname from its scientific name, Antaresia maculosa. The affectionate shorthand, "Mac," is derived from the latter part of its species name.

While spotted pythons aren't the top choice in the American pet trade — with first-time owners often opting for corn snakes, king snakes, or ball pythons — they still have a dedicated following. Their low-maintenance nature, calm demeanor, and modest size make them a favorite for those seeking a snake that doesn't require a massive enclosure.

"To the Bat-Caves!"

Australia is a hotspot for reptiles, boasting roughly 172 different snake species. To spot the elusive spotted python in the wild, head east — it's native to eastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.

Spotted pythons, or Macs, are adaptable to a variety of environments, from forests to farmlands. They especially favor areas with rocky outcrops and are particularly drawn to caves. Their love for caves is no coincidence — they hunt bats in these dark retreats.

Suspended from cave ceilings or walls, spotted pythons patiently await the arrival of bats at dusk. With incredible precision, they strike to capture their prey mid-flight, then quickly constrict and swallow their bat victim.

Not all of their meals come airborne. In the wild, spotted pythons also feast on small birds, lizards, amphibians, and rodents.

Like most pythons, spotted pythons have sensory pits near their mouths. These pits are linked to organs that help detect infrared radiation emitted by warm-blooded animals — a vital skill for these nocturnal hunters. Their vertical, slit-like pupils further assist them in judging depth, especially in dim light.

The Largest of the Small

Although it may seem small, the spotted python is actually the largest snake in its genus. Herpetologists identify three other species in the Antaresia family, all native to Australia. In the northern regions, you may encounter the Children's python (Antaresia childreni), named after its discoverer, the naturalist John George Children. Also in the mix is Antaresia stimsoni, commonly referred to as Stimson's python.

But the true star of the show could very well be the pint-sized anthill python (Antaresia perthensis). Native to Western Australia, this species holds the title of the smallest living python, reaching a maximum length of only 24 inches (61 centimeters). At that size, it could comfortably curl up on your forearm.

Now that we're talking about handling, let's return to our main focus — the spotted pythons.

Care and Feeding

Each snake has its own unique temperament, even among individuals of the same species. While it's true that strange behavior can happen, spotted pythons, when treated with respect, can be calm and friendly pets, and they often tolerate long handling sessions with ease.

It's important to prevent your snake from associating human hands with food. If your python only sees hands during feeding time, it may start to get too excited and bite the palm, wrist, or arm that feeds it. Holding your Mac in between feedings can help break this pattern, especially if it's still young and impressionable. Just make sure not to handle it immediately after a meal; give it at least 24 hours to digest. Young spotted pythons can be a bit snappy, biting fingers, but since they're non-venomous, a quick puff of air will make them release and retreat.

In the wild, bats are a favorite meal for spotted pythons, but in captivity, they’re perfectly content with thawed mice. Young pythons should be fed one mouse every five days, while juveniles and adults can go every seven to ten days. Larger pythons need larger prey, so it's a good rule to feed them rodents that are about the same thickness as their bodies. Keep in mind that they may skip meals when preparing to shed or during colder months—don’t be concerned, it’s normal.

Cage Furnishings

A proper environment is key to keeping your pet healthy. A standard 20-gallon (75.7-liter) glass terrarium, measuring 30 inches (76 centimeters) long, 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) wide, and 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) tall, is perfect even for the largest spotted pythons.

Place a reptile-friendly heating lamp over one side of the tank and maintain a temperature of 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 32 degrees Celsius) on that end. On the opposite side, keep the temperature at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 27 degrees Celsius). It's always beneficial to provide a thermal gradient—this way, your python can choose to cool off by moving to the cooler side, or warm up as needed. Uniform temperatures throughout the tank aren’t ideal.

For bedding, spotted pythons are fine with mulch or aspen shavings. However, be sure to steer clear of cedar as a substrate—this material is known to cause various health issues in vertebrate pets.

Make sure to provide your Mac with a sturdy water dish large enough for it to curl up in. You’ll also need a hiding spot, like a hollow box or log. Finally, adding a couple of strong tree branches will be appreciated, as these snakes love to climb!

Captive spotted pythons can live into their 20s, making them excellent pets for those looking to dive into the rewarding world of snake care. Hopefully, your new companion will bring years of joy.

The author has had a spotted python since February 2017, which he and his wife named "Max" after the character from the Australian film series, most recently portrayed by Tom Hardy in the "Mad Max" franchise. It wasn’t until later that they realized other snake enthusiasts call these reptiles "Macs." So, it could get a little confusing if they ever take him to a reptile convention. Oh well.