Carpet Python Size report
Carpet pythons (scientific name: Morelia spilota) are named for their unique patterns resembling carpets. They are the most common species in the genus Morelia and are widely distributed in Australia, New Guinea, and some islands in Indonesia. Carpet pythons live in a wide variety of environments, from forests to savannahs. Those who live in the forest are mainly arboreal and feed on various vertebrates.
Carpet pythons are considered medium to large among pythons, with yellow skin and brown horizontal stripes. The carpet python pattern is unique and gorgeous. Because of its manageable adult size, generally calm temperament, and attractive color variety, this species has become one of the most popular reptile species in the pet market as the number of captive carpet pythons increases.
Most adult Carpet pythons grow between five and eight feet. Each subspecies is unique and will grow to a different adult length. Adults require large enclosures at least four feet long. If you want to raise one, you must read the following post about how big Carpet pythons will grow and how they live.
Carpet Python Size And Appearance
The body color of Carpet pythons varies slightly according to the geographical environment. The typical carpet python has a yellow or light brown base, with yellow and dark (black or maroon) banded rings. On their heads, there are some black banded markings. The scales outside the snout are smaller, and the hot spots are located in front of the upper lip scales and behind the lower lip scales. Their heads are significantly wider than their necks. Carpet pythons are semi-arboreal snakes with pointed tails for grasping. Newborn carpet pythons are ochre-red. As the snake grows, the red color will gradually recede, becoming the adult body color when it is about 2 to 3 years old. Newborn Carpet pythons are usually relatively easy to bite.
Average Size of Carpet Python
The body length of Carpet python juveniles ranges from 25.4 cm to 35.5 cm, and adults can reach 1.35 meters to 1.65 meters. Some individuals can grow to 1.8-2.1 meters. Carpet pythons can grow to 1.2 meters quickly, and the growth rate will slow. The adults can grow with an average weight of 12-15 kg. Large-bodied snakes, like the carpet python, can live about 15-20 years in the natural environment and even longer in controlled settings.
Quick Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Morelia spilota |
Native to | Australia, New Guinea, and some islands in Indonesia |
Diet | Small mammals |
Length | 1.35-1.65 m |
Weight | 12-15 kg |
Sexual Maturity | 2.5-3 years old |
Lifespan | 15-20 years in wild, 20+ years in captivity |
Living Habits And Reproduction
Carpet pythons are semi-arboreal snakes that live in woods, bushes, or grasslands. They live in a variety of habitats, from eastern coastal rainforests to central desert areas. They generally come out on cooler nights, and some subspecies are nocturnal. Carpet pythons prefer to live in trees, although they usually bask in open spaces. They constrict their bodies to strangle their prey, mainly feeding small mammals, birds, and lizards.
Carpet pythons are oviparous. Carpet pythons generally reach sexual maturity between 2.5-3 years of age. Usually, the body temperature of a pregnant female snake is between 30 and 32°C. Female snakes usually shed their skin 2 to 3 weeks after pregnancy and lay eggs 3 to 4 weeks after shedding. The female wraps around the eggs to protect them and keeps them warm by generating heat through muscle contractions, and the care stops after the young are born.
Final Words
Carpet python is a big snake and needs to consider available space before buying. With a snake this large, the terrarium decor must be durable and permanent fixtures may need to be constructed, such as tree branches screwed into the sides of the enclosure. Keepers must provide carpet pythons with clean, fresh water and an environment sufficient to explore at all times. Before keeping a carpet python, you must clearly understand its habits and how large it will grow.