Jungle Carpet Python | Morelia Spilota Cheynei | Information and Beginners Care Sheet
The Jungle Carpet Python (Morelia Spilota Cheynei) can be found in the tropical rainforests of the northern state of Queensland, Australia. This python is similar to the Green Tree Python. The Jungle Carpet Python lives both in the highlands, as well as on the coast. They thrive mostly in the wooded river valleys. These animals are relatively arborical in that they live mostly on trees.
In terms of appearance, the Morelia Spilota Cheynei is one of the most beautiful pythons. Its graceful and slender body reaches an average length of 5 to 6.5 feet. Its neck is thin and a head that is similar to a dragon. The dark pattern on their body can be black, brown, or gray. Their scales’ color becomes lighter toward the center, which can be yellow, brown, or cream. Rare species of this kind is turquoise with a cream-colored pattern, which is strongly iridescent. The belly is typically very light, often yellow, or cream. Hatchlings are usually black or gray. They develop to their full color as soon as they reach 2 years of age.
TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Morelia
Scientific Name: Morelia Spilota Cheynei
Generally, the Jungle Carpet Python has no problems with feeding. They mostly eat rats, hamsters, as well as poultry. Like most of the snakes, they kill their prey through coiling and strangling. Juveniles mostly prefer to eat small mice.
Female species of this python is usually larger than males. At 4 years of age, they begin to be sexually mature. Males tend to stop feeding as soon as the breeding season starts. As soon as the breeding period is over, the females tend to lower their food intake since their eggs occupy most part of their body. The females lay 8 to 9 eggs.
