Scrub Python
Species Description

The Scrub Python, currently classified as Simalia kinghorni, has undergone considerable taxonomic revision throughout its scientific history. Previously placed in the genus Morelia with carpet pythons, later moved to Australiasis, the species now resides in Simalia along with several related large pythons. The specific epithet kinghorni honors James Roy Kinghorn, former curator of reptiles at the Australian Museum who contributed significantly to Australian herpetology.

The relationship between Australian Scrub Pythons and New Guinea's Amethystine Pythons remains debated among taxonomists. Some authorities consider them a single species (Simalia amethistina) with Australian populations representing a subspecies, while others recognize them as distinct species. This guide follows current taxonomy treating Australian Scrub Pythons as Simalia kinghorni while acknowledging ongoing taxonomic discussion.

Common names reflect both habitat association and appearance. 'Scrub Python' references the vine forests, rainforest margins, and monsoon scrub habitats these pythons occupy. 'Amethystine Python' describes the purple-blue iridescence visible on their scales under appropriate lighting—a stunning characteristic that photographs poorly but appears spectacular in person. Some sources use 'Australian Scrub Python' to distinguish from New Guinea populations.

The species holds the distinction of being Australia's largest snake, with verified specimens exceeding 20 feet and credible reports suggesting even larger individuals in remote areas. This impressive size, combined with their iridescent beauty, creates significant appeal tempered by the equally significant challenges their size presents for captive maintenance.

Scrub Pythons rank among the world's longest snakes, with adult females commonly reaching 12-18 feet and exceptional individuals exceeding 20 feet in total length. Males typically remain smaller, generally reaching 8-12 feet—still substantial by any standard. Body construction is relatively slender for their length compared to heavy-bodied pythons like Burmese, though large individuals still possess considerable mass.

The head is elongated and distinctly set off from the neck, larger and more prominent than in carpet pythons with which they're sometimes confused. Prominent heat-sensing pits along the labial scales allow detection of warm-blooded prey in darkness, while large eyes with vertical pupils indicate their primarily nocturnal activity patterns. The overall head shape is elegant yet powerful, befitting an apex predator.

Coloration features olive-brown to golden-brown base colors with darker markings that may appear as bands, irregular blotches, or network patterns depending on individual variation and geographic origin. The most distinctive visual feature is the remarkable iridescence visible across the scales—a shifting purple, blue, and gold sheen that creates spectacular effects under appropriate lighting. This structural coloration results from microscopic scale features rather than pigmentation.

Scales are smooth with the iridescent quality mentioned above. Ventral surfaces are typically cream or pale yellow. Juveniles display more contrasting patterns than adults, with banding that may fade or become less distinct as snakes mature. The combination of large size, beautiful coloration, and remarkable iridescence makes Scrub Pythons visually impressive animals despite their sometimes demanding temperaments.

Scrub Python temperament presents one of the species' primary challenges, as these large snakes possess the size and strength to cause serious injury if handled improperly. Their reputation for defensive, sometimes unpredictable behavior is generally deserved, though individual variation means some specimens become remarkably tractable while others remain perpetually difficult.

Defensive behaviors include rapid striking with considerable reach, sustained biting, and powerful body movements that can knock handlers off balance. Unlike venomous species where danger concentrates in a single mechanism, Scrub Pythons present multiple risks—their numerous teeth cause significant lacerations, their body strength can overpower individual handlers, and defensive constriction could potentially endanger even experienced keepers working alone.

Captive-bred Scrub Pythons raised with consistent handling from a young age typically develop more manageable temperaments than wild-caught alternatives. However, even calm individuals require respect and appropriate handling protocols—their size means that any interaction requires multiple experienced handlers prepared to manage an animal capable of rapid, powerful movement.

Feeding responses in Scrub Pythons are powerful and sustained. These efficient predators strike quickly and constrict effectively, behaviors essential for subduing the substantial prey their size requires. This feeding intensity creates significant safety considerations, as snakes in feeding mode may strike at any movement regardless of whether actual prey is present. Strict protocols separating feeding-related activities from other interactions protect both handlers and snakes.

Behaviorally, Scrub Pythons tend toward nocturnal activity with crepuscular hunting periods. They may remain inactive for extended periods following large meals, then become actively investigative when hunger returns. Their intelligence relative to other snake species becomes apparent in their awareness of routines and apparent recognition of feeding versus handling contexts in well-maintained specimens.

Housing Scrub Pythons adequately represents the single greatest challenge in their captive maintenance and the primary reason they remain inappropriate for most keepers. Adult females require enclosures that function essentially as dedicated rooms—minimum dimensions of 10 feet long by 4 feet deep by 4 feet tall, with larger spaces strongly recommended for these active hunters.

Construction must anticipate the substantial forces adult Scrub Pythons can generate. Standard reptile enclosures are entirely inadequate; purpose-built rooms with reinforced walls and secure access points are necessary for safe long-term housing. Many successful keepers construct dedicated outbuildings or convert portions of their homes specifically for their pythons.

Climbing opportunities remain important despite the species' size. Sturdy branches, platforms, and elevated resting areas should be incorporated into enclosure design, bearing in mind that structures must support 50+ pounds of active python without shifting. Ground-level space is equally important, with secure hide areas large enough to conceal the entire snake.

Temperature management across these large spaces demands commercial-scale heating solutions. Maintain ambient temperatures between 80-88°F with basking areas reaching 90-95°F. Multiple heating elements may be required to create appropriate conditions throughout the enclosure. Every heating source must be thermostatically controlled, with physical barriers preventing direct snake contact with heating equipment.

Humidity between 60-80% reflects the tropical origins of this species. Large water features capable of allowing complete snake submersion contribute to humidity while providing drinking water and bathing opportunities. The water volume involved requires serious filtration and maintenance commitment. Automated misting systems can supplement baseline humidity, particularly important given the enclosure scale.

Substrate options for these large enclosures include cypress mulch, coconut fiber, or commercially available reptile substrates, though the quantities required make costs significant. Some keepers use sealed flooring that can be cleaned and disinfected directly. Whatever approach is selected, hygiene maintenance for animals producing substantial waste demands consistent effort.

Feeding adult Scrub Pythons requires access to substantial prey items and careful attention to safety protocols. Their size demands correspondingly large food—adult females may take large rabbits, small pigs, or poultry, while males can be maintained on medium rabbits or multiple large rats. Prey should approximate 10-15% of snake body weight.

Prey sourcing presents practical challenges for Scrub Python keepers. Frozen rabbits suitable for large pythons require established supplier relationships or the commitment to raising prey animals specifically for snake feeding. The quantities and sizes involved exceed what typical pet stores stock, requiring advance planning and freezer space for prey storage.

Feeding frequency decreases as these pythons reach adult size. Large females may require feeding only every 3-4 weeks, with some individuals thriving on monthly schedules. Monitor body condition rather than adhering to rigid schedules—Scrub Pythons should maintain moderate body condition without prominent spine visibility or excessive fat deposits.

Feeding protocols must prioritize keeper safety above all other considerations. Never hand-feed Scrub Pythons—always use long feeding tongs that maintain safe distance from the strike zone. Many keepers conduct feeding through barriers or in separate feeding areas that eliminate need for direct proximity to the snake during its heightened prey response period.

The feeding response in Scrub Pythons can persist for extended periods. Even after consuming prey, snakes may remain in heightened feeding mode, potentially striking at subsequent movement. Wait until the snake has fully settled, clearly shifted from feeding mode, and retreated to a resting position before approaching the enclosure for any reason.

Avoid any enclosure access for 72+ hours following feeding, allowing complete digestion before potential disturbance. The large meals these snakes consume require substantial digestive effort, and regurgitation from handling stress wastes both food resources and endangers the snake's health.

Scrub Pythons maintained under appropriate conditions demonstrate good overall health, though their size complicates veterinary care considerably. Few clinics can accommodate examination and treatment of pythons measuring 15+ feet, and the specialized equipment and expertise required limits available veterinary options. Preventive husbandry and careful observation remain the keystones of health management for these impressive but challenging animals.

Scrub Python health management relies primarily on excellent preventive husbandry rather than reactive treatment. The complications inherent in examining and treating snakes of this size make prevention essential, and keepers must develop observation skills to detect subtle changes before they become emergencies requiring professional intervention.

Handling Scrub Pythons requires absolute commitment to safety protocols and recognition that working with large constrictors carries genuine risk. The fundamental rule is simple: never handle adult Scrub Pythons alone. A minimum of two experienced handlers is required for any safe interaction with snakes exceeding 8 feet, with larger specimens requiring three or more handlers.

Handler positioning during interaction follows systematic organization. Designate primary handler responsibility for head control—the most critical position, as this prevents strikes toward other handlers. Secondary handlers manage body sections, supporting weight while remaining alert to constriction. All handlers should understand the plan before beginning and communicate clearly throughout the interaction.

Risk assessment determines whether handling should proceed at all. Hungry snakes displaying feeding-mode behavior should never be handled—wait until well after feeding when prey response has diminished. Similarly, snakes in defensive postures, those in shed, or individuals displaying unusual aggression are best left undisturbed. Only calm, recently fed, and cooperative snakes should be considered for handling.

Snake hooks prove invaluable for Scrub Python management, allowing initial contact and body manipulation without placing hands within strike range. Use hooks to guide the snake's movement and redirect defensive individuals without requiring hands-on contact during the potentially risky early moments of interaction.

Constriction awareness must inform all handling activities. Scrub Pythons instinctively constrict when wrapped around objects, and their strength can rapidly become dangerous. Never allow coils around handlers' necks or torsos. If coiling begins, handlers should work together to unwind from the tail forward—not by prying at coils, which triggers tighter constriction.

Routine enclosure maintenance often can and should be accomplished without direct snake handling. Design enclosures allowing cleaning, water changes, and feeding through barriers or with the snake shifted to separate compartments. Minimizing handling reduces risk while meeting husbandry needs through thoughtful facility design.

Scrub Pythons are emphatically unsuited for private keeping in virtually all circumstances, and honest evaluation of what these animals require should lead most prospective keepers to choose other species. Only individuals with genuinely exceptional resources—purpose-built facilities, extensive experience with large constrictors, multiple available handlers, and commitment to decades of intensive care—should consider Scrub Python acquisition.

The ethical dimensions of keeping Australia's largest snake deserve serious consideration. These animals evolved to range across tropical forests, behaviors impossible to replicate in any captive setting. Even elaborate private facilities provide fractions of natural space and environmental complexity. Prospective keepers must honestly assess whether they can provide quality of life justifying captive maintenance of such an animal.

Legal restrictions significantly limit Scrub Python keeping. Australian wildlife export restrictions mean legitimate specimens outside Australia are rare and expensive, while domestic Australian keeping requires permits with varying availability depending on jurisdiction. International keepers face limited legal sourcing options and should verify any proposed acquisition's legality thoroughly.

The financial commitment to responsible Scrub Python keeping is substantial. Beyond facility construction—potentially costing thousands of dollars for appropriate housing—ongoing expenses include utilities for climate control, food costs, equipment maintenance, and potential veterinary care. Emergency treatment for large constrictors can be extremely expensive when available at all.

For keepers genuinely drawn to large pythons, smaller species offer similar aesthetic and handling experiences with reduced risk and space requirements. Carpet pythons, Boa Constrictors, and numerous other large but manageable species provide impressive snake experiences without the exceptional challenges Scrub Pythons present. These alternatives allow appreciation of powerful snakes within realistic constraints.

Families with children should never keep Scrub Pythons regardless of other qualifications. The risks associated with large constrictors are genuine and potentially fatal, and no child should be exposed to such danger. Even adults without substantial large constrictor experience should recognize Scrub Pythons as beyond appropriate scope and develop skills with manageable species first.