Carpet python
From Freepedia
| Carpet python | ||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Morelia spilota (Lacépède, 1804) | ||||||||||||||
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Morelia spilota cheynei |
The Carpet python, Morelia spilota, is a species of medium to large arboreal pythons. They are often found near people where it performs 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.
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 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 egg layers, producing as little as 10 eggs, and as many as 50.
Subspecies include:
- Coastal Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota mcdowelli)
- Jungle Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota cheynei)
- Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota vareigata)
- Diamond Pythons (Morelia spilota spilota)
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.
Sources
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