:''Common names: Murray-Darling carpet python, MD carpet python, inland carpet python, riverine carpet python, Victorian carpet python.''
''Morelia spilota metcalfei'' is a
python
Python may refer to:
Snakes
* Pythonidae, a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia
** ''Python'' (genus), a genus of Pythonidae found in Africa and Asia
* Python (mythology), a mythical serpent
Computing
* Python (pro ...
subspecies found in
Australia, commonly known as the Murray-Darling carpet python. The pythons are non-venomous snakes that constrict their prey. They grow up to 2.7m (10 feet), but adults are usually around 2.4m (8 feet).
[DoLittle Farm Inland Carpet Python fact sheet](_blank)
etrieved on 7 February 2013. Color varies depending on locality; Victorian MDs are silver with solid black blotches and stripes, as we move into NSW the silver becomes a light brown and the patterning becomes more of a dark brown rather than black, the SA MDs introduce patches of maroon.
[Resident Animals - Murray Darling Carpet Python](_blank)
Retrieved on 7 February 2013. These pythons are semi-
arboreal
Arboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some animals may scale trees only occasionally, but others are exclusively arboreal. The habitats pose nu ...
, typically inhabiting rocky outcrops, dry woodlands, riverine forests and flood plains.
[Wild - Inland Carpet Python: Melbourne Museum](_blank)
Retrieved on 7 February 2013. The threats to the snakes are people and other snakes.
Diet
Murray Darling pythons naturally feed on mammals, birds and lizards.
In captivity, they are fed mice and rats, and as adults can be fed rabbits, quails and small chickens.
Geographic range
Found in
Australia in the
Murray-Darling Basin of
Queensland
)
, nickname = Sunshine State
, image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, establishe ...
,
New South Wales
)
, nickname =
, image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, es ...
,
Victoria
Victoria most commonly refers to:
* Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia
* Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada
* Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory
* Victoria, Seychelle ...
and
South Australia
South Australia (commonly abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of , it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories ...
. The
type locality given is "Warrum bungle Mountains, New South Wales"
ustralia
In captivity
These pythons are popular as pets due to their mild temperament, although a license and fees are usually required in Australia. As with other
carpet python
''Morelia spilota'', commonly referred to as the carpet python, is a large snake of the family Pythonidae found in Australia, New Guinea ( Indonesia and Papua New Guinea), Bismarck Archipelago, and the northern Solomon Islands. Many subspec ...
subspecies, both naturally occurring and designer morphs are common in captive specimens, such as albino or reduced pattern varieties.
[Frequently Asked Questions - Aussie Pythons and Snakes](_blank)
Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
Image gallery
Image:6 month old Morelia spilota metcalfei.JPG, 6-month old individual
File:Murray darling carpet python scalation.jpg, Close up of the scale pattern on an adult male
File:Murray darling carpet python handling.jpg, Handling a captive (pet) adult male
File:Murray Darling python, adult female soaking.jpg, Captive adult male soaking in a water bowl
References
External links
*
{{Taxonbar, from=Q3016085
Morelia (snake)
Snakes of Australia