Morelia spilota metcalfei

Morelia spilota metcalfei is a python subspecies[2] 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 (9 feet), but adults are usually around 2.4m (8 feet).[3] Color varies depending on locality; Victorian MD's 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 MD's introduce patches of maroon.[4] These pythons are semi-arboreal, typically inhabiting rocky outcrops, dry woodlands, riverine forests and flood plains.[4][5] The threats to the snakes are people and other snakes.

Morelia spilota metcalfei
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Morelia
Species:
M. spilota
Subspecies:
M. s. metcalfei
Trinomial name
Morelia spilota metcalfei
Wells & Wellington, 1984
Range of M. s. spilota (in red)
Synonyms
  • Morelia metcalfei - Wells & Wellington, 1984
  • Morelia spilota metcalfei - Barker & Barker, 1994[1]
Common names: inland carpet python, Murray Darling carpet python, MD carpet python, Victorian carpet python.

Diet

Murray Darling pythons naturally feed on mammals, birds and lizards.[4] In captivity, they are fed mice and rats, and as adults can be fed rabbits, quails and small chickens.[3]

Geographic range

Found in Australia in the Murray-Darling Basin of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The type locality given is "Warrum bungle Mountains, New South Wales" [Australia].[1]

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 species, both naturally occurring and designer morphs are common in captive specimens, such as albino or reduced pattern varieties.[6]

  • 6 month old individual
  • Close up of the scale pattern on adult male
  • Handling a captive (pet) adult male
  • Captive adult male soaking in a water bowl.

References
  1. 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).
  2. "Morelia spilota metcalfei". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  3. DoLittle Farm Inland Carpet Python fact sheet Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
  4. Resident Animals - Murray Darling Carpet Python Archived 10 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
  5. Wild - Inland Carpet Python: Melbourne Museum Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
  6. Frequently Asked Questions - Aussie Pythons and Snakes Archived 15 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
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