MUCH MORELIA THAN MEETS THE EYE

Each subspecies of the Pythonidae family contrasts each other so greatly. Is the name ‘carpet python’ just a blanket term?

Carpet pythons are some of the most diverse species of the entire Pythonidae family. Spread across a vast distribution of Australia and South East Asia, Morelia spilota .ssp are found in baron deserts, rich jungles and even suburban city locations. The natural history of each subspecies contrasts each other so greatly that the name ‘carpet python’ really does seem like a blanket term.

Morelia spilota cheynei –Jungle carpet python

As the name suggests, the jungle carpet python occupies a relatively small range of tropical forest in North Queensland. They are semi-arboreal and have the brightest colouration of any carpet python, contributing to their popularity in the hobby. Their restricted range is under threat from deforestation, as the urbanisation and growing agriculture of Australia’s East Coast continues to develop.

Although the high yellow colouration often seen in captivity is accentuated by selective breeding, these carpet pythons are much more visually striking than other species. This has led a whole spectrum of colour morphs to be bred within the hobby. They also grow to a manageable size (three to five feet) but typically exhibit more arboreal traits than other species.

Morelia spilota variegata –Darwin carpet python

The Darwin carpet python gets its name from the Northern Territory’s capital city where the species appears to be doing extremely well. As human inhabitants encourage various possums and rodents to feed on, the Darwin carpet python has adapted very well to the development of Australia’s Top End. Unsurprisingly, this snake can also be found throughout the north of Australia from the Kimberleys all the way towards the Cape York Peninsula. This landscape is much more arid, but seasonal rains mean the gorges and canyons that these snakes are found are often rich with vegetation. Interestingly, there are now a number of albino Darwin carpet pythons within the hobby. The first albino Darwin carpet python was found in the 90s at a caravan park just outside of Darwin. Misidentified as an illegal corn snake, this specimen was taken to the Territory Wildlife Park where it was identified as an albino and named ‘Blondie’. After being sent on breeding loan to Dr Simon Stone in Adelaide, the offspring of this snake now have a strong presence in herpetoculture across the world.

Morelia spilota spilota –Diamond python

The diamond python is the most southerly occurring python in the world. A common sight in suburban locations as far south as Sydney, diamond pythons will opportunistically feed on chickens and small family pets, giving them a negative reputation amongst residents. Despite reaching 7 feet in length, these large pythons are some of the more docile of the carpet pythons. Just like other carpet pythons, they are sizeable without being heavy-bodied, filling a niche for pet owners looking for a large animal without the troublesome aspects of the ‘giant’ snakes. There are also two-colour variants, one with white spots, another with yellow. Just like other carpet pythons, they are nocturnal and relatively slow-moving this means they can live in attics and rafters undetected for long periods of time offering free pest control services to oblivious homeowners.