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Carpet Pythons (Morelia Spilota Variegata)
General Info :
The carpet pythons are Australian and New Guinean pythons that are divided into six subspecies .
Where ranges overlap , intergradations between the subspecies are known to occur . Efforts to describe
populations within the group began as early as 1984 , but so far suggestions to elevate the taxa
to full specific levels have not been successful . Only two of these , the coastral and jungle carpets
are seen with any frequency in the United States . A third subspecies the diamond python , is one of the
most coveted of all snakes in American herpetoculture .
Appearance :
A widespread and highly variable snake . Typically brown or grey with paler bands crossing the body , which often break up into irregular blotches and streaks . Some Queensland specimens are darker , almost black , with yellow bands .
Sizes :
To 4m usually less
Range & Habitat :
E and SW Australia ; parts of New Guinea . Forests , scrub and rock outcrops . Often along river courses ad around human dwellings .
Food :
Mammals , including bats , wallabies and other small marsupials , and birds . Young also eat lizards .
Breeding :
Egg-laying , with clutches of up to 50 eggs .
My Notes :
Requires a roomy terrarium with medium humidity and a large , heated water vessel (25C/77F) , Air temperature
around 28C (82F) , dropped to 22C (72F) at night . |
