Australian scrub python facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simalia kinghorni |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Simalia
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| Species: |
kinghorni
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The Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni) is a type of snake. It belongs to the Pythonidae family, which includes pythons. You can find this amazing snake in the forests of northern Australia.
It's one of the longest and biggest snakes in the world! In fact, it's the longest and largest snake in all of Australia. Scientists recently moved it to a new group called Simalia. This group also includes some other snakes that used to be in the Morelia group.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this snake is kinghorni. This name was chosen to honor an Australian scientist. His name was James Roy Kinghorn. He studied both snakes and birds.
Where It Lives
The Australian scrub python, S. kinghorni, lives in northern Australia. It prefers to live in different kinds of forests. You can also find it in parts of the Australian bush that have lots of plants and trees.
What It Looks Like
This snake can grow very long! It has been known to reach about 7 meters (or 24 feet) in total length. Some people have even reported seeing longer ones. This makes it one of Australia's biggest and longest snakes.
The Australian scrub python often lives in trees. This makes it one of the largest tree-dwelling snakes in the world. Its back has a beautiful pattern. It has shades of brown and tan, with many natural designs. Its belly is usually white, sometimes with a bit of yellow.
What It Eats
Like all snakes, the Australian scrub python is a carnivore. This means it eats only meat. It hunts and eats many different animals. Its diet includes birds, mammals, and even other reptiles.
As a Pet
The Australian scrub python is not very common as a pet outside of Australia. However, some people are working to breed them. This means they are slowly becoming more available. Other similar snakes from New Guinea are much easier to find as pets, especially in the United States.
Images for kids
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Releasing a Scrub python back to the wild, near Cooktown. 1999
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Distribution of S. kinghorni: range shown as dark green region
