Carpet Python
Morelia spilota
Scientific Name
Carpet Python: Morelia spilota
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
The species is found throughout mainland Australia, with the exception of the arid center and the western regions. It is widely distributed throughout the forest regions of Southwest Australia. It is also 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).
Natural Habitat
Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, from rainforests, to arid, tree-less islands. Often found near human habitation where they perform a useful service by eating rats and other vermin. It is even know to occur in areas that receive snowfall..
Physical Characteristics
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A large python, the average adult length is roughly 6.5 ft. Males are typically smaller than females, in some regions females are up to four times heavier. The head is triangular with a conspicuous row of thermo receptive labial pits. The patterning may be roughly diamond shaped or have intricate markings made up of light and dark bands on a background of gray or a version of brown.
Quick Facts
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Carpet pythons are also found in temperate grasslands with hot and dry weather.
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Even though the carpet python are tree snakes; they do not completely rely on trees, and are capable of moving around elsewhere.
Conservation Status
Least Concern: The Carpet Python is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.
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Diet
Carnivore
The diet consists mainly of small mammals, bats, birds and lizards. The carpet python kills their prey by constricting it. They are often the largest predator in their ecological community.
