Common Name: Carpet Python
Scientific Name: Morelia spilota sp.
Locals:
Papuan (Morelia spilota harrisoni) formerly known as the Irian Jaya (M.s.variegata),
Jungle (Morelia spilota cheynei),
Coastal (Morelia spilota mcdowelli),
Centralian (Morelia bredli),
Diamond (Morelia spilota spilota),
Southern Carpet Python (Morelia spilota imbricata),
Inland Carpet Python (Morelia spilota metcalfei)General Information: Carpets are semi-arboreal pythons in nature. They are slender and tend to be nippy as young but can be tamed with patience. They have a curious dispositions once they outgrow this bitey stage. Depending on local, they come in many colors. Papuan/Irian Jayas tend to be brown with tan stripes/bands, Jungles are typically black with white, yellow, or tan stripes/bands, and Coastals are brown with tan/yellow stripes/bands. Bredli's are often red/burgundy with off-white/tan/yellow banding/striping. Diamonds are black with small white/yellow spots and flecks that appear to form bands/stripes. Southern carpets are usually a combination of browns, blacks, and grays while Inlands are mostly gray and black.
Proven Color Morphs:
Papuan/Irian Jayas:
GraniteJungles:
Zebra,
Super ZebraCoastals:
Jaguar,
Tri-Stripe,
Tiger,
Hypo,
CaramelBredlis: None proven
Diamonds: None proven
Southern: None proven
Inland: None proven
Note: There are now
Albino Carpet Pythons, this gene was found in the Morelia s. variegata local, but they are classified as Northwestern Carpets.
Distribution: Depending on subspecie these snakes are found in New Guinea and Australia.
Habitat: Woodlands, rainforests
Size: Hatchlings are 12+/- on average
Papuan/Irian Jayas: 4-6', although 8' specimens have been recorded
Jungle: 4-6', larger specimens (8') are known
Coastal: 6-9', can reach 12'
Bredli: 4-6', larger specimens have been recorded
Diamond: 6-9', 12' specimens have been noted
Southern: 6-8', can reach 12'
Inland: 6-8' larger specimens have been recorded
Lifespan: 25+ years in captivity
Temperament: Usually nippy as neonates, these snakes mellow out and have curious dispositions as adults.
Captive Care
Diet: Appropriate sized rodents weekly. Hatchlings are generally started on hopper mice, but should be switched to fuzzy rats as soon as they are able. Carpets are somewhat tricky to switch to rats so you may have to try a few tricks. A few methods recommended by NERD is to stop feeding for 2-3 weeks, as hunger will trigger a better feeding response. After this you can offer the rat, if no takers, offer a mouse and then immediately after, offer the rat. Once in food mode a snake rarely refuses your offer. If this doesn't work, soaking a rat in warm chicken broth can help. Adult carpets can eat large rats, sometimes multiple at one time.
Temperature: Carpets need a basking spot of 86-88F and an ambient temperature of about 75-78F. Your background (ambient) temp should not fall below 75F.
Humidity: 40-60%
Housing: You can use many styles, including but not limited to: Tubs, racks, plastic cages (such as Animal Plastics, Vision), aquariums, etc. An adult carpet needs a cage at least 36x18x24 inches. These snakes appreciate perches but they aren't necessary.
Breeding: Carpet Pythons reach sexual maturity at 18 months to 4 years of age. Breeding size occurs at 4'+ depending on subspecies. Papuan/Irian Jayas breed at 4'+, Jungles at 4-6', Coastals at 6-8', Bredli's at 4-6', and Diamonds at 6-8'. Breeding season is from November to March, stop all feeding at this time. Both animals should be in excellent condition before any breeding is attempted. Reduced photoperiod of 8-10 hours may induce breeding, as well as dropping daytime temps to the mid 70's. Bring the female to the male's cage. Misting the snakes can help with breeding. Clutch size ranges from 10-40 eggs depending on the size of the female. Incubated at 88-90F these eggs should hatch in approximately 60 days.
Note: Carpets make great and easy captives. They are low maintenance and have good personalities, not to mention they are beautiful and most subspecies are a manageable size for anyone.
