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{{short description|Species of reptile}}
{{Use Australian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = ''Antaresia childreni''
| image = Childrens Python (Antaresia childreni) (8692425238).jpg
| image_caption = Children's python
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |last1=Oliver |first1=P. |author-link=:fr:Paul M. Oliver |last2=Doughty |first2=P. |author2-link=species:Paul Doughty |last3=Wilson |first3=S. |author3-link=species:Steve K. Wilson |last4=Teale |first4=R. |year=2017 |title=''Antaresia childreni '' |volume=2017 |page=e.T13300639A13300647 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T13300639A13300647.en |access-date=18 June 2021 }}</ref>
| genus = Antaresia
| species = childreni
| authority = ([[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1842)
| synonyms =
* ''Liasis childreni'' {{small|Gray, 1842}}
* ''Liasis gilbertii'' {{small|Gray, 1842}}
* ''Liasis maculosus'' {{small|[[Wilhelm Peters|W. Peters]], 1873}}
* ''Liasis childreni'' {{small|— [[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1893}}<ref name="Blgr1893">[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]] (1893). ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Boidæ ...'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. (''Liasis childreni'', pp. 77-78, 418 + Plate IV, figure 1).</ref>
*''Antaresia childreni'' {{small|— [[Arnold G. Kluge|Kluge]], 1993}}<ref>"''Antaresia childreni'' ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.</ref>
}}

'''Children's python''' ('''''Antaresia childreni''''') is a [[species]] of nonvenomous [[snake]] in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Pythonidae]]. The species is named after [[John George Children]]. It is a nocturnal species occurring in the northern half of [[Australia]] and generally found on the ground, although it often climbs trees. Usually growing to about {{convert|1.0|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} in length or more depending on the polymorphic variant, it is typically a reddish-brown colour, darker on the upper surface, and with many darker blotches, especially on younger specimens. The Stimson's python variant has much stronger and more variable colours; often being adorned with reddish-brown to chocolate blotches against lighter tan.<ref name="Julander_etal">{{cite book |last1=Julander |first1=Justin |last2=Mutton |first2=Nick |last3=Birch |first3=Peter |date=2013 |title=The Complete Children's Python: A Comprehensive Guide to the Natural History, Care, and Breeding of ''Antaresia'' species}}</ref> It feeds mostly on small mammals and birds, and as with other pythons, it constricts its prey before swallowing it whole. It is a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts.

==Taxonomy and naming==
''Antaresia childreni'' is one of four species in the [[genus]] ''[[Antaresia]]'', a genus in the family [[Pythonidae]]. The genus is named after the star [[Antares]]. [[John Edward Gray]] published the original description of the [[species]] in 1842, naming it ''Liasis childreni''. Both the common name and the [[Specific name (zoology)|specific epithet]], ''childreni'', are in honour of Gray's mentor, [[John George Children]], a curator of the zoological collection at the [[British Museum]] around that time.<ref>[[species:Bo Beolens|Beolens, Bo]]; [[species:Michael Watkins|Watkins, Michael]]; Grayson, Michael (2011). ''The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (''Antaresia childreni'', p. 53).</ref> As of 2020 no [[subspecies]] are recognised as being valid.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634764 |taxon=''Antaresia childreni '' |access-date=19 September 2007}}</ref> Some species of the genus ''Antaresia'' were formerly assigned to the [[genus]] ''[[Morelia (snake)|Morelia]]''.<ref name="McD99">[[:fr:Roy Wallace McDiarmid|McDiarmid RW]], [[Jonathan A. Campbell|Campbell JA]], [[species:T'Shaka A. Touré|Touré TA]] (1999). ''Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1''. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. {{ISBN|1-893777-00-6}} (series). {{ISBN|1-893777-01-4}} (volume).</ref> Studies published in 2020 on the members of the genus ''Antaresia'' concluded that Stimson's and Children's pythons are synonymous species with different polymorphism. As a result, Stimson's python is now considered a polymorphic variant of Children's python.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Esquerré |first1=Damien |author-link=species:Damien Esquerré |last2=Donnellan |first2=Stephen C. |author2-link=Steve Donnellan (scientist) |last3=Pavón-Vázquez |first3=Carlos J. |author3-link=species:Carlos Joaquín Pavón-Vázquez |last4=Fenker |first4=Jéssica |author4-link=species:Jéssica Fenker |last5=Keogh |first5=J. Scott |author5-link=species:J. Scott Keogh |title=Phylogeography, historical demography and systematics of the world's smallest pythons (Pythonidae, ''Antaresia'') |journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |date=August 2021 |volume=161 |pages=107181 |doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107181 |pmid=33892100 }}</ref>

Children's python is known by other common names such as '''banded rock python''', '''small-blotched python''', and '''eastern small-blotched python'''.<ref name=torr>{{cite book|last=Torr |first=Geordie |author-link= |others=Eleanor Torr (illustr.) |title=Pythons of Australia: A Natural History |location= |publisher=UNSW Press |date=2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nXpFAQAAIAAJ&q=%22banded+rock+python%22 |page=85 |isbn=9780868406022}}</ref>

==Description==
Adults of ''A. childreni'' grow to a total length (including tail) around {{convert|1-1.5|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} depending on locality and polymorphic variant. The scales on the top of the head are enlarged, while those on the upper surface of the body are small and smooth, with a [[rainbow]] sheen that can be seen when exposed to direct sunlight. The upper surface of the snake is brown with darker spots in five or six longitudinal series in the type variant. A dark streak on each side of the head passes across the [[eye]]. The lips are yellowish, spotted with brown. The lower surface of the snake is uniformly yellowish. The head of the snake is distinct from the neck. The nostril is superolateral, pierced in a large semidivided [[nasal scale]]. The eye is moderate in size, with a vertical pupil. The body is slightly laterally compressed. The tail is short. About 41 to 45 rows of [[dorsal scales]] cross the snake's back, and 257 to 287 [[ventral scales]] are seen along the lower surface. A single undivided [[anal scale]] is found immediately in front of the anus, and 38 to 53 [[subcaudal scales]] are on the lower surface between the anus and the tip of the tail, all or mostly in two rows. The polymorphic variant known as the Stimson's python has much stronger and more variable colours; often being adorned with [[Shades of brown|reddish-brown]] to chocolate blotches against lighter [[Tan (color)|tan]].<ref name="Julander_etal" />

The [[Rostral scale|rostral]] is broader than high, barely visible from above. The internasals are slightly longer than broad and are shorter than the anterior prefrontals. The second pair of prefrontals is in contact at the midline, or is separated by a small shield. These posterior prefrontals are sometimes broken into several shields. The frontal is one and a half times as long as broad, slightly shorter than its distance from the end of the snout, longer than the small parietals. Three to 10 small loreal shields are present, some almost granular, with 11 to 13 upper labials. Three or four of the posterior lower labials have deep pits. The anterior maxillary [[Tooth|teeth]] and anterior [[Mandible|mandibular teeth]] are very long, gradually decreasing in size posteriorly. The [[Premaxilla|premaxillary bone]] also has teeth.<ref name="Blgr1893" /><ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens, John M. (1987). ''Living Snakes of the World in Color''. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref>[[Image:Childreni sheen.jpg|right|thumb|''A. childreni'': rainbow sheen]]
[[Image:Children's Python.jpg|right|thumb|''A. childreni'', young male]]

==Geographic range==
''A. childreni'' is found in Australia in the extreme north of [[Western Australia]], the northern third of the [[Northern Territory]], and northern [[Queensland]], and also on the islands of the [[Torres Strait]]. The Stimson's python variant is found throughout an even greater range; it occupies much of the interior of Australia, from Queensland to Perth.<ref name="Julander_etal" />

The [[Type locality (biology)|type locality]] is given by [[John Edward Gray|Gray]] (1842) as "—?", is listed as "N.W. Australia" by [[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]] (1893) in his ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I.'', and is listed as "unknown" in [[Andrew Francis Stimson|Stimson]] (1969).<ref name="McD99"/>

''A. childreni'' occurs specifically in the region spanning the coast between the [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberleys]] in Western Australia to [[Mount Isa]] in northwestern Queensland.

==Habitat==
Children's python is found in a variety of natural [[habitat]]s, including [[forest]], [[savanna]], [[shrubland]], [[desert]], [[grassland]], and freshwater [[wetlands]].<ref name=iucn/> In [[Alice Springs]] the cosmopolitan tick ''Amblyomma limbatum'' has been collected from a Children's python.<ref>Vilcins I-M, Old JM (2017). New reptilian host for ''[[Amblyomma limbatum]]'' Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), from Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Herpetofauna. 44, 24-26</ref>

The peak activity period for the Children's python, as determined from callouts by members of the public to professional snake catchers, in the Darwin region is during the later part of the wet season (February–April).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=von Takach |first=Brenton |last2=Lettoof |first2=Damian Christopher |last3=Parkin |first3=Tom |last4=de Laive |first4=Alana |last5=Allen |first5=Luke |last6=Jolly |first6=Chris J. |date=2023 |title=Analysing spatiotemporal patterns of snake occurrence in an Australian city to help manage human-wildlife conflict |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-023-02752-2 |journal=Biodiversity and Conservation |language=en |doi=10.1007/s10531-023-02752-2 |issn=1572-9710|url-access=subscription }}</ref> During this period the species is significantly more likely to be encountered in and around open grassland and plains habitats than during other months of the year.

==Diet==
[[File:Antaresia_childreni.jpg|thumb|left|Feeding on a rodent]]
The diet of Children's python consists of reptiles, birds, and small mammals, particularly [[microbat]]s, which it catches by dangling from stalactites in caves, which they commonly inhabit, and snatching them out of the air as they fly past.

==Reproduction==
''A. childreni'' is [[Oviparity|oviparous]], with up to 25 eggs per [[Clutch (eggs)|clutch]]. Females brood their eggs through a seven-week incubation period by coiling around them and occasionally shivering to keep them warm, which also affords the eggs some protection from predators. Juveniles are heavily blotched, but gradually become reddish-brown or brown as they mature. The Stimson's variant often becomes more starkly contrasted by comparison as it matures depending on locality. Males in captivity have been seen to fight over females, suggesting these snakes will fight for mates in the wild. However, combat in wild individuals of this species has never been witnessed. When the males fight, they use their spurs to scratch their opponents, and will also strike and bite one another until one submits.<ref name="Julander_etal" />

==Captivity==
Children's python is often kept as a pet worldwide due to its small size, docile temperament, strong feeding response, resiliency and easy captive care. It is often seen as a good beginner species for keeping reptiles, particularly snakes. High levels of hygiene will reduce the risk of disease transfer to pet owners. While not as popular or diverse in colours as ball pythons or other larger species, ''A. childreni'' can range in colour from albino and [[leucism|leucistic]] to ebony, melanistic, ghost, and piebald colour morphs<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-10|title=10 Children's Python Morphs (With Pictures)|url=https://reptilehow.com/childrens-python-morphs/|access-date=2022-02-06|website=ReptileHow.com|language=en-us}}</ref> to name a few. The varying colouration between individuals also makes it quite attractive to many who work with and breed exotic reptiles. In captivity, the members of this genus are very tolerant of differing humidity levels ranging from 20%-80% due to the wide range of habitats they occur in, and shedding problems that occur in captive animals are usually the result of temperatures being too high or low rather than problems with humidity. ''Antaresia'' species are also fairly easy to breed, though some individuals (mostly males) may refuse to eat when they are interested in mating.<ref name="Julander_etal" /> The lifespan of captive specimens has been known to exceed 30 years. Juveniles are fed baby, hairless mice, while larger individuals can be fed on adult mice or small rats. Feeding should occur roughly once a fortnight.

[[File:Cannibal python 640px.theora.ogv|A Children's python consuming and regurgitating another snake|right|256px]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*[[Harold Cogger|Cogger HG]] (2014). ''Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition''. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. xxx + 1,033 pp. {{ISBN|978-0643100350}}.
*[[John Edward Gray|Gray JE]] (1842). "Synopsis of the species of prehensile-tailed Snakes, or Family B{{small|'''OIDÆ'''}}". ''Zoological Miscellany'' '''2''': 41–46. (''Liasis childreni'', new species, p. 44).
*[[species:Steve K. Wilson|Wilson S]], [[species:Gerry Swan|Swan G]] (2013). ''A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition''. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. {{ISBN|978-1921517280}}.

==External links==
{{Commons}}
[[Image:Childrens Python 3.JPG|thumb|''A. childreni'']]
* {{NRDB species|genus=Antaresia|species=childreni|date=19 September|year=2007}}
* [http://www.antaresia.com/antaresia_childrens_python.html Children's Python (''Antaresia childreni'')] at [http://www.antaresia.com/ Antaresia.com]. Accessed 4 May 2008.
* [http://www.antaresia.com/antaresia_pythons_breeding.html ''Antaresia'' pythons - breeding cycle] at [http://www.antaresia.com/ Antaresia.com]. Accessed 4 May 2008.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013022538/http://www.tinypythons.com/caresheet_childreni.asp Children's Python Care Sheet] at [http://www.tinypythons.com/ tinypythons.com]. Accessed 19 September 2007.
* [http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Others/Childrens-Python/660 Children's Python fact sheet] at [http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/ Burke's Backyard]. Accessed 19 September 2007.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060820201833/http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Reptile%2Bkeepers%2Blicence Reptile keeper's licence] at [http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service]. Accessed 19 September 2007.
{{Pythonidae}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q968709}}

[[Category:Pythonidae]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of Australia]]
[[Category:Snakes of Australia]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Queensland]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Western Australia]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1842]]
[[Category:Taxa named by John Edward Gray]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]

Children's python - Revision history

imported>OAbot: Open access bot: url-access updated in citation with #oabot.