Woma Python Care Guide, Aspidites ramsayi

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Difficulty

Min. Enclosure

4 x 2ft

Basking Temp

33-35°C (warm end)

Diet

Rodents

Lifespan

20+ years

The woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) is a striking, ground-dwelling python from Australia's arid interior, with a narrow head and a banded body. Adults typically reach around 1.5-2m. Womas are generally calm and rewarding, though as terrestrial reptile-hunters they can have a strong feeding response, so use a hook at feeding time.

Housing

As a non-arboreal species they prefer floor space over height. A thermostatically controlled timber enclosure around 4 x 2ft suits an adult, larger is better. Provide hides at both ends and a sturdy water bowl, and a substrate they can move about in.

Heating

From a hot, dry climate they need a good gradient - a warm end around 33-35C and a cool end of 24-26C, controlled by a thermostat with ceramic or infrared globes.

Lighting

UVB is not essential but a low 5.0 UVB can be beneficial. Provide a normal day/night cycle.

Feeding

Feed appropriately sized rodents every 7-14 days depending on age (juveniles weekly, adults less often). They do not always strike, so placing food down can help. Avoid handling for 24-48 hours after feeding.

Breeding

Womas breed well with a winter cooling period of reduced temperatures and shorter day length over about 6-8 weeks, followed by a gradual return to normal conditions. After mating in the cooler months the female lays a clutch of eggs, which can be maternally incubated or removed and incubated at around 31-32C, hatching in roughly 55-65 days.

Overview

Calm, hardy and reaching around 1.5-2m, the woma is a striking, rewarding python that can live 20 years or more with good care. Remember they have a strong feeding response, so use a hook at feeding time. In Queensland a wildlife licence is required to keep a woma python.

The team at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium can help with enclosures, heating and frozen feeders.