Hey missmay,
Diamond pythons are fantastic, and generally have good temperaments (there are obviously exceptions). but they do grow to be quite large and will require more space as an adult than the anteresias, also there is a condition known as Diamond Pythons Syndrome (DPS) that is unique (although possibly not according to a thread that was rescently posted) to diamond pythons. No-one is 100% sure what causes it, people used to think it was lack of UV, common consensus now is that it is constant high temperatures without dips into low temps. Rescent thread I previously referred to suggests it is some sort of genetically predisposed virus, like mediteranian flu (correct me if i am wrong in my interpretations of this thread). This being said I still reccomend UV for diamond enclosures and changing UV globes regularly, as well as dipping temps appropriately and providing cool areas. slightly more advanced husbandry requirements, but not unmanageable once you have done a bit of research and preparation. (these were my first snakes and they are all happy healthy good handlers, now over 20 years old. Currently living elsewhere as i had to get rid of them a couple of years back for a move interstate)
Of the anteresias, my personal oppinion is that stimsons and spotteds are the way to go over childrens if you are looking for good patterns, as a general rule, childrens tend to fade a lot with age in comparison to stimsons and spotteds (again correct me if I am wrong). I have had no luck at all with anteresias, always running into the nasty ones but there are tonnes of great handlers out there.
Good on you for doing research before you commit as well, the first steps to becomming a good keeper.
Good luck.
Sye
p.s. Check out some of the smaller woma locales also if size is an issue. womas are also great first snakes. Have never owned one but know that usually they are quite good feeders and handlers. (again there are exceptions and you have to be careful what you buy and who you buy from)
