Morelia spilota

Carpet python
Carpet Python, Morelia spilota
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Morelia
Species:	M. spilota
Binomial name
Morelia spilota (La Cépède, 1804)
Subspecies
Morelia spilota cheynei Morelia spilota imbricata Morelia spilota mcdowelli Morelia spilota metcalfei Morelia spilota spilota Morelia spilota variegata

The carpet python (Morelia spilota), is a species of medium to large semi-arboreal pythons. They are often found near people where they perform a useful service by eating rats and other vermin. They are largely nocturnal, but can also be diurnal. They are found in Australia and New Guinea.

Subspecies

• Southwestern Carpet Python, Morelia spilota imbricata (Smith, 1981)
• Jungle Carpet Python, Morelia spilota cheynei (Wells & Wellington, 1985)
• Morelia spilota macrospila (Werner, 1910)
• Coastal Carpet Python, Morelia spilota mcdowelli (Wells & Wellington, 1985)
• Diamond Python, Morelia spilota spilota (La Cépède, 1804)
• Northwestern Carpet Python, Morelia spilota variegata (Gray, 1842)
• Inland Carpet Python, Morelia spilotes metcalfei (Wells & Wellington, 1985)

Description

Adult Morelia spilota mcdowelli

Most forms have intricate markings made up of light and dark bands on a background of gray or a version of brown. All have triangular heads with a conspicuous row of heat pits in the scales around the mouth. Of those listed here, coastal carpet pythons, M. s. mcdowelli are the largest, regularly attaining lengths of 9-10 feet. Irian Jaya carpet pythons are the smallest, averaging lengths of 4-6 feet. The average adult length is roughly 2 m (6.5 feet).

Carpet pythons are oviparous, producing as few as 10 eggs, and as many as 50.

Related species

There are many further species in the carpet python complex, including the ochre-red Bredl's or Centralian python (Morelia bredli). This python, which is native to a small area around the MacDonnell Ranges and the town of Alice Springs in Australia's Northern Territory, is a unique member of the complex, having many more smaller scales, so that the body more closely resembles a skin. In captivity, striped, spotted and hypomelanistic specimens have been observed. Bredl's python is a medium sized carpet python, averaging around 7 feet, however it is noted for its thicker girth. Adults can breed at a later age than most carpet pythons.

In captivity

A pet Coastal Carpet Python

Carpet pythons are often referred to beginners as an ideal first pet snake. Although they can grow to a reasonable size and can be nippy as hatchlings, most will grow into docile, trustworthy adults. Males are typically smaller than females of the same species, and are a wise choice for those looking for a slightly smaller adult animal.

References

• Mattison, Chris (1999). Snake. DK Publishing. ISBN 0-7894-4660-X.
• The European Molecular Biology Laboratory Reptile Database