Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a juvie spotted python that I am looking to sex in order to find it a mate. Can someone with more experience please tell me how far a sexing probe (to what scale) will travel on each sex? I have probed other species and am familiar with the technique but am rather unfamiliar with the spotted's and their kin. Thanks in advance!

Steve

I can't say for sure how far it should go in terms of scale counts, it should be similar to that of other Australian pythons, especially Liasis (these guys used to be in the genus Liasis, and they are likely very closely related), but there is a fairly obvious difference visible just externally. Females have a drastic decrease in girth at the cloaca, whereas males have a very gradual decrease in size past the cloaca.
If you post pictures of your snake's cloacal region, I can most likely venture a fairly accurate guess as to the sex.
-Eric

>>I have a juvie spotted python that I am looking to sex in order to find it a mate. Can someone with more experience please tell me how far a sexing probe (to what scale) will travel on each sex? I have probed other species and am familiar with the technique but am rather unfamiliar with the spotted's and their kin. Thanks in advance!
>>
>>Steve

I have found with my Childrens that the difference is really obvious.....males 10scales and females a nudge...2-4.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

I'm posting tail pics as requested, I know they're not the best, but here they are anyhow.

Steve

In addition, I understand that Australia is completely opposite in weather patterns here in N. America. I am relatively inexperienced with these guys, and my juvie has been off feed for over a month. ( F/T Hoppers) Is this type of behavior considered normal this time of year? His/her weight has been holding ok. Only lost 1 gram in weight. Thanks ahead of time.

Steve

Looks like a male to me.
As for going off feed, as long as he doesn't start getting lethargic I wouldn't be concerned, it is fairly normal for this time of year. Though in my experience they have continued to eat throughout the year until they get older. If he loses a lot of weight and begins looking abnormally thin or begins getting lethargic, I would get concerned, but other than that I wouldn't worry.
-Eric

Thanks so much your input. I am not too concerned with what we think is him (I haven't been able to probe it yet) as he has not lost any significant weight and is eating F/T prey that is stored at -25 F. (Should eliminate most if not all potential parasite and bacteria problems from feeders). I will give some time and keep you updated. Thanks again!

Steve