Carpet Python

Echuca Moama Wildlife

The Carpet Python (M.s. metcalfei) is a non-venomous python species found in the Murray Darling Basin of Victoria and NSW Australia.

Adults can grow to 4 m in length and weigh over 5 kg. M. s. mcdowelli (see sub species of the Morelia spilota below) is the largest form, regularly attaining lengths of 2.7-3 m (9-10 feet). M. s. variegata is the smallest, averaging of 120-180 cm (4-6) feet in length. The average adult length is roughly 2 m (6.5 feet). However, one 3-year-old captive male M. s. mcdowelli, measured in Ireland, was found to exceed 396 cm (13 feet). Males are typically smaller than females and the head is triangular heads with a conspicuous row of thermoreceptive labial pits.

The colour patterns for M. spilota varies depending on the subspecies. All subspecies have a distinctive colour pattern.

Found in Indonesia (southern Western New Guinea in Merauke Regency), Papua New Guinea (southern Western Province, the Port Moresby area of Central Province and on Yule Island) and Australia (excluding southern Victoria and much of the center and the west of the country). The type locality given is "Nouvelle-Hollande" [Australia].

Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, from the rainforests of northeastern Queensland (M. s. cheynei) through the River Red Gum/Riverbox woodlands of the Murray and Darling Rivers (M. s. metcalfei), to the arid, tree-less islands of Nuyts Archipelago off the South Australian west coast (M. s. imbricata). Often found near human habitation where they perform a useful service by eating rats and other vermin. M. s. spilota is even know to occur in areas that receive snowfall. Diamond pythons are tree snakes, they do not completely rely on trees, however, and are capable of moving around elsewhere.

The subspecies, M. s. spilota, is under threat due to habitat destruction.

Described as semi-arboreal, they are largely nocturnal, climbing trees and shrubs as well as crossing open areas such as rock faces, forest floors and even roads. However, basking behavior is commonly observed.

The diet consists mainly of small mammals, bats, birds and lizards. Captive specimens are normally fed live or frozen rats.

Oviparous, with females laying 10-50 eggs at a time. Afterwards, females coil around the eggs to protect them and keep them warm through using muscular contractions to generate heat. This type of maternal care, which is typical for pythons, ceases once the hatchlings have emerged.North queensland species are also known to be quite fond of green tree frogs...

Subspecies