The Cold Blooded News The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society Volume 28, Number Number 6;   June, 2001

Tidbits of Information - Carpet Python

by Sandy Allen

Common Name:

Carpet Python

Scientific Name:

Morelia spilota -- Species include:
Morelia spilota spilota (Diamond Python);
M.s. cheynei (Jungle Carpet);
M.s. imbricata (Southwestern Carpet);
M.s. mcdowelli (Coastal Carpet);
M.s. metcalfei (Inland and Queensland Carpet);
M.s. variegata (Northwestern Carpet)

Origin:

Found in much of the eastern fourth of the Australian continent with western extensions of the range along both the northern and southern coasts.

Size:

Depending on range of origin, 2 to 4 meters

Lifespan:

Wild -- unknown;
Captive -- Probably 15-20 years

Active:

Diurnal in cold weather, nocturnal in warm weather

Habitat:

Occupy all habitats. In arid areas they are usually found near streams and rocky hills. They do not range over the entire continent and exact range depends upon the species in consideration.

Temperament:

Depends on the range of origin. Animals from Queensland, Northern Territory and Kimberly tend to be unpredictable. Those from New South Wales, southern Western Australia and inland tend to be docile. Babies tend to be biters but, with regular, gentle handling will tame. Bites are very painful because of their long teeth.

Captive Care:

Juvenile animals can be housed in an aquarium. Because these are good climbers, a tall tank is a good choice. A 29 high would work well for a juvenile animal. Adults, however, will require a very large aquarium or a large custom built cage (suggested size 4L x 2W x 2H) at minimum. Furnish the cage with a hide, water bowl, and branches for climbing. Choices of substrate include newspaper, cypress mulch, aspen, or indoor/outdoor carpeting, to name a few. DO NOT use cedar -- it will kill reptiles.

Temperature:

75°F at night, 85°F daytime, with a slightly warmer basking site at one end of the cage.

Lighting:

No special lighting is necessary. A day-night cycle is beneficial to the animal.

Food:

Mice and rats, depending on the size of the animal. Hatchlings seem to prefer larger food items such as fuzzy mice or pinkie rats (frozen-thawed, of course). It is a good idea to use tongs or forceps when feeding carpet pythons.

References:

Barker, D.G. and T.M. Pythons of the World, Vol. I, Australia.
Hoser, R.T. Australian Reptiles and Frogs.

| Next Article: Chameleons Disclose Talent For Weightlifting |
| Previous Article: Alligator Hunter Slain by Rodent |
| Return to Cold Blooded News Page | Return to CHS Home Page |