Antaresia Stimpsoni

[Artemis]

Hi all-

I have been considering getting a snake for some time. The obvious thing one first does is learn about snakes in general, and then you realize you have to pick which kind of snake you want.

I had really wanted to get a Stimpson's Python, but I certainly cant find one locally, and even the net isnt turning up much. Is this because this particular python, along with my second choice, the pygmy python (a. perthensis), ARE that impossible to get in the good ole USA??? I had read they were extremely common in their native aussie. Why are they so hard to find here?

Any info on actually getting a Stimpsons would be great!

Thanks

Artemis

[WingedWolf]

I think most people are breeding Spotteds or Childrens.....Stimpson's just aren't that popular.

[Invictus]

There is only one person I know of in Canada working with Stimpsoni, and that is Henry Piorun. The reason why they are so hard to find is because Australia has banned all exports of wildlife. As such, the USA introduced the Lacey Act, which helps to further "protect" the Assie laws by banning any imports to, or exports from, the USA. You can't even get a jungle carpet python over the border.

I believe Stimpsoni were a fairly recent discovery, and that's why you won't find many of them - they haven't been able to leave Aussieland.

[Artemis]

Wow, yeah I guess that would pretty well explain it. =) Why is it the government is always sticking it to me in these little subtle ways, lol. I loved the markings of the Stimpson's though. Very pure and clean-lined like the ball python, and of a decidedly manageable size.

I guess for me, size matters. ;) I know I could handle a constricter if it wasnt massively huge. I liked pythons out of the lot because between the boas and the Lampropeltis, they seemed the most friendly, and I guess I am just in general more drawn to them. I suppose I will either have to befriend some smugglers, or rethink my limitations.

Thanks for the heads up on the whole embargo thing ;) Loved your photo gallery, too!


Artemis

[Invictus]

Oh, thanks. :) You just reminded me that I need to update my photo gallery, hahaha. :D

[Stockwell]

Ken & Artemis, Stimpson's are new name but not a new snake...
We used to call the things Desert Childrens back in the 80's when they were Liasis childreni and simply another form of Childrens python, just like what we now call Spotteds...They were all considered the same beast until fairly recently, and I'm sure they were mixed and matched quite a bit back then too.

[fredyfidget]

Hye man I'm getting a pair from this website www.inlandreptile.com Just tell them that Fredy sent you. But they still have to hatch. so they won't be ready till August. If not go to the fauna classifieds under searh type in stimson's and their is a guy name chris williams sellins a pair also I was gonna buy from him but choose not to for paticular reason. Their in the U.S. you just gotta look hard enough. Well I hope that this help you.

[Artemis]

Thanks very much for all of your responses, I appreciate them. I think however, given the limited availability of this particular species, and also the limited pool of info available regarding their specific nuances, I have decided to think more basic and consider the ball python. I have a close friend who works in our local (and very reputable) pet retailer. They have an assortment of ball pythons that they captive breed in house. She has several and assures me that my small stature (im only 5'3 myself) shouldnt be an issue with being able to handle even a full grown ball.

If anyone feels that is totally inaccurate, and a little chick like myself would be in a position to lose control, please do tell me!!

Thanks Again!

Artemis

[fredyfidget]

sure you can go w/ a ball or you can get a childrens python and their the same family of a stimson's. they can even be breed together. Well go w/ what youu wish.

[Artemis]

Looks like they also go by "blotched" pythons.

http://www.vpi.com/5vpibreeders/LargeBlotchedPython/LargeBlotchedPython.htm