By Tony Jerome
One of the most frequent questions that I get asked about my Apodora is “Is that an Olive Python?” Technically, no it isn’t unless you’re describing its color. Seriously, it could also be called a Mustard Python, a Lime Python or a Khaki Brown Python. The Apodora papuana or Papuan python has the amazing ability to vary its color. It can change day to day or hour to hour. I’m not sure if anyone knows yet what affects the color changes, but to me, so far, it seems pretty random.
The Apodora papuana is the only snake in this genus. Its mouth and skin are black. The scales have an iridescence that is only matched by a few other species. Its skin seems very fragile and most imports have plenty of scars to prove their honey badger-like persistence. Shedding is interesting. In 11 years, I don’t think I’ve seen a full, one piece shed. They shed completely, but it’s more like a balloon popping with pieces everywhere.
To anthropomorphize a bit, the Apodora is a bold, curious and seemingly quite intelligent species, as far as snakes go. I acquired my first Apodora as a farm hatched imported male in 2012 from Michael Cole. He was about 5 month old and 18 inches long. At unboxing, he exhibited no apprehension or stressed behavior and seemed quite curious. He took a meal the same day. Today, he is roughly 14 feet and about 21 lbs.
I purchased an import female in 2020. After a 6-month quarantine, deworming and virus checks, she is now in the snake room. I’m assuming she’s roughly 2 years old at about six feet now. She is a bit more cage defensive with mock strikes or short lunges, but alert, curious and very mobile when out.
The Apodora is a large, but not heavy bodied snake. I was skeptical about the attained size at first, but now realize they are easily managed. They are very powerful snakes, so having a second person with you when handling is always advisable. The two specimens that I have are easily handled when out of the enclosure and pretty much just ignore my existence.
Theoretically, a terrestrial snake by nature, they do not hesitate to climb. When given the opportunity mine have explored low trees, destroyed bookshelves and ceiling fans and totally rearranged rooms. Mine have a peculiar behavior of hissing when interacting with me. It’s not an open mouth hiss, it’s repeated, short puffs through the nostrils. It doesn’t seem to be a fear or stay away response because they do not stand their ground or try to flee. They just keep crawling over you like you’re not there.
Apodora seem to eat almost anything. I feed mine rats and organic chicken parts. They are ophiophagus, (snake eaters) and the only time I have been bitten by mine was when I had been musked by another snake. I decided to determine the predator thwarting properties of snake musk. (Hint: It doesn’t.) Fortunately, he was still young and their teeth are comparatively small. Their digestion, in my opinion, is more like a colubrid. It is difficult to keep housing clean. I opt for using paper as a bedding as it is somewhat absorbent and easy to change quickly.
Finding captive bred specimens is difficult, but some people have had success hatching them. They mature later than most snakes. My understanding is around 7 years for females, however, my male was producing semen at about 4 years of age (don’t ask). Most people are skeptical about breeding due to the fact that many have discovered only one snake of the breeding pair in the cage. It’s a long investment to find out your female was just hungry.
I have been very pleased with my Apodora papuana. Everybody that interacts with them seems to fall in love. They are an incredibly unique and rewarding species. I expect to see more in the hobby as they become more available. Do not pass up the opportunity to interact with one if you get the chance. You’ll get hooked.
