Reptile & Amphibian Forums

After spending some time in the lab, looking at a recent shed under a dissecting scope, and doing some scale counts, I am starting to think that my childrens python is actually a spotted. I am considering picking up another in the future and would prefer to know definitively one way or the other which species I currently own. So, I was wondering if anyone knew of any concrete ways to determine which species I have. I know scale counts are acurate, Pythons of the World: Australia showed a number of images suggesting that scale count on the head was variable, so I am not 100% certain on how acurate of a decision can be made based on scale count. Anyways, if anyone knows of anyone has any suggestions on how to determine once and for all which species I own, it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

Chris,

I'm assuming you have access to a copy of the Barker's "Pythons of the World" since you mentioned it in your post. If you look at their descriptions of the Antaresia, you'll read that all species in that genus EXCEPT spotted pythons have a dorso-lateral line which starts at the base of the head and extends approximately 1/3 the length of the body. No spots overlap into this line. Look closely at the photos and you'll see this. This line is most pronounced in blotched pythons, but is definitely visible in Children's pythons too.

If you don't have the book, or if there's anything I might can answer for you, feel free to email me at george@thereptileshed.com.

George
<br>www.thereptileshed.com)