Morelia spilota variegata
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Morelia spilota variegata is a non-venomous python subspecies[3] found in New Guinea and Australia. It is smaller than the nominate subspecies Morelia spilota and has a more restricted geographic range.
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[edit] Description
Adults grow to an average length of 8 feet (2.44 m) with a maximum of 12 feet (3.66 m).[2]
The color pattern consists of a beige or brown ground color overlaid with blackish or gray blotches, cross-bands or stripes, or a combination of any of these. Regional color variations can include bright yellow, gold, rust and clear grays.[2]
[edit] Common names
Carpet python,[2] Northwestern carpet python, Irian Jaya carpet python, West Papuan carpet python.
[edit] Geographic range
Found in New Guinea (Western New Guinea and Papua New Guinea) and Australia in northwestern Western Australia and in the northern portion of the Northern Territory. The type locality given is "North Australia: Port Essington" (Northern Territory, Australia).[1]
[edit] Feeding
The snake is not venomous and kills prey by constriction. Their diet is varied and includes many different birds and mammals. Populations that inhabit forested areas are mostly arboreal and often feed on brush-tailed possums, Trichosurus.[2]
[edit] Reproduction
Oviparous, females deposit their eggs in secluded places such as hollow logs and tree boles where they protect and incubate them. Captive specimens have produced up to 18 eggs that hatch after a 40 day incubation period. The hatchlings are about 12 inches (30 cm) in length.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ a b c d e f Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ Morelia spilota variegata (TSN 635070). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 31 December 2007.
[edit] External links
- Morelia spilota at the TIGR Reptile Database. Accessed 31 December 2007.
- M. s. variegata range map at Kingsnake.com. Accessed 4 May 2008.
- Irian Jaya carpet python breeding cycle at Antaresia.com. Accessed 4 May 2008.
