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How to Make a Habitat Diorama for a Python

Pythons are an extremely diverse species of snake with the ability to live in both wet and dry climates depending on the species. Their diet varies depending on their size, but they are fairly indiscriminate eaters. Their diet can include reptiles, mammals, amphibians and birds. Adults pythons have few natural predators, but young, small pythons are prey for animals like alligators, birds and lizards. Because pythons like environments where there are places to hide -- both from predators and to ambush prey -- your diorama should include trees, logs, leafy undergrowth and ponds.

Things You'll Need

Recycled shoe or clothing box
Construction paper
Scissors
Glue
Tape
Paint
Paintbrush
Rocks
Wood chips
Moss

Instructions

- 1
  Prop open the recycled shoe box or clothing box. Secure the box open with tape or glue. The box should resemble an "L" shape from the side. This will give you an area to create a 3D habitat.
- 2
  Glue construction paper to all sides of the box. Decorate the paper to reflect the diorama's name, purpose and project information. Line the inside of box with brown or green paper to provide a background for your python's habitat.
- 3
  Paint a pond or marsh area on the base of the box. Some python species thrive in wet areas. Decorate the edge of the marsh or pond with moss and any other natural items appropriate to those environments.
- 4
  Glue small stones and wood chips in the area surrounding your pond or marsh. Pythons like having plenty of places to hide, hunt and breed. Incorporate leaves and grass for an even more appropriate environment.
- 5
  Cut strips of brown construction paper and crinkle into tree trunk shapes. Glue them to the back of your cardboard box. Attach construction paper leaf shapes or real leaves you find outside to your tree trunks. Create a variety of sizes and branches. Some species of pythons are good at climbing trees and even make their homes in them.

Animals & Science