COASTAL CARPET PYTHON

The Coastal Carpet Python, scientifically known as Morelia spilota mcdowelli, is one of the most widely distributed python species in Australia. It is often confused with the Diamond Carpet Python, which occurs further south. Interestingly, the Coastal Python and the Diamond Python can interbreed, which is uncommon among reptiles.

This python species is heavy-bodied and can reach lengths of up to 14 feet, although the average length is around 7 to 9 feet. Its lifespan is not precisely known, with varying figures from experts. However, it is believed that these snakes can live over 100 years. Captive-bred individuals, which grow faster, have been documented to live up to 50 years.

The Coastal Python exhibits a wide variety of colors and patterns, even within a single location. These can include shades of olive, dark green, light green, yellowish green, brown, and black. The patterns may consist of splotches, stripes, or rings of colors. The colors and patterns are most vibrant right after the snake sheds its old skin.

Regarding reproduction, after mating, the female Coastal Python lays a clutch of up to 30 eggs. Unlike other snake species, the females of this species care for their eggs and vigorously defend their clutch. They coil around the eggs and shiver to maintain a stable temperature. Roughly 50 to 60 days after laying the eggs, the hatchlings emerge. At this point, the mother’s maternal duties are complete, and she leaves to feed, while the hatchlings disperse and fend for themselves.

The Coastal Python is found throughout Northern New South Wales and extends all the way to Cape York in Queensland, giving it one of the widest distributions among Australian snakes. It prefers habitats such as rainforests or eucalypt forests but can occasionally be found in suburban areas. These pythons are known to take up residence in house roofs and feed on vermin.

The diet of Coastal Pythons consists of mice, rats, birds, other snakes, flying foxes, possums, and anything else that moves slowly enough to be captured. As a non-venomous constrictor, the python kills its prey by constriction and suffocation.

This information was provided by Rhianna Blackthorn.