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Common Name: Jungle Carpet Python Latin name: Morelia spilota cheyneib
Native to: Rainforests of Atherton Tablelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia. These pythons have
the smallest geographic distribution of any carpet python species.
Size: Adults can reach sizes of 4.5 to 7 feet in length in captivity.
Life span: 20 to 30 years in captivity.
General appearance: This species is a medium-sized slender python with a long neck and a large head
with pits on the lips that is broader than the neck. These pythons are most noted for their
incredible yellow and black markings. The markings can vary greatly and consist of bands, stripes,
blotches, freckles, or any combination of these. Colors can vary from a vibrant lemon yellow to
deep gold, to a pale yellow wash or even ivory.
Housing requirements:
Enclosure: A large arboreal cage is often best for this species. Adults can be kept in a 40-gallon
breeder tank or larger. It is important to make sure that the cage lid is secure, as this
species, like most snakes, are known as escape artists.
Temperature: A 75° – 85° F daytime temperature gradient should be offered. Nighttime
temperatures should be 5° F – 10° F cooler.
Heat/Light: As with most snakes, it has not been proven that any UV light needs to be provided.
A 10 to 12 hour photoperiod should be provided and can be achieved with timers. Light
can be provided with a standard fluorescent bulb and fixture. Heat can be provided with
basking bulbs, ceramic emitters, or thermal panels. Heat rocks should be avoided as they
can often cause burns. Care should also be taken to not place heating elements in the
enclosure where the snake can possibly come in contact with the bulb and suffer burns.
Substrate: A variety of substrates can be used. Simple substrates such as newspaper or
indoor/outdoor carpeting can be used and are easy to maintain. For naturalistic enclosures
substrates such as crushed coconut shell or soil can be used. Not only does this provide a
aesthetic enclosure it will also maintain humidity levels better that newspaper or
carpeting. Care should be used if using wood shavings to avoid accidental ingestion of
the shavings while feeding.
Environment: The jungle carpet python is an arboreal species from the rain forests of Australia.
Cage furniture such as branches should be provided to allow this species to climb.
Humidity levels should be maintained at 60% to 70% in order to ensure proper shedding.
Elevated hide boxes can also be offered to provide an even greater sense of security for
your python.
Diet: As with any snake you want to avoid feeding too large of a prey item to your snake. A good rule is
to not feed your snake prey that is any larger that 100% to 125% that the largest part of the body
of the snake. Hatchlings and juveniles can be offered pinky, fuzzy or hopper mice or rats once a
week. Adults can be fed larger prey items such as adult mice or rats every 10 days. Some larger
specimens can be offered larger prey items such as small rabbits. Previously killed frozen prey is
recommended to eliminate the risk of injury to the snake as well as to help eliminate parasites that
the prey item may be carrying.
Maintenance: Fresh water should be offered daily. If using newsprint or carpeting then clean as needed.
Other substrates should be spot cleaned as needed. Periodically, the enclosure should be
completely cleaned and disinfected. A 5% bleach solution makes an excellent disinfectant. Be sure
to rinse the enclosure thoroughly after disinfecting. As always, be sure to wash your hands
thoroughly after handling your python or any cage accessories.
Other references or recommended reading:
Barker, David G. and Tracy M. Barker. 1994. Pythons of the World. Advanced Vivarium Systemsm Inc.
Lakeside, California. P 171.
Barker, David G. and Tracy M. Barker. “Jungle Carpet Python.” VIDA Preciosa International, Inc.
Retrieved 27 October 2002.
http://www.vpi.com/8VPICareSheets/Pytho ... onDesc.htm
Kuhn, Peter. “Jungle Carpet Python.” Python Pete Reptiles. Retrieved 27 October 2002
<http://www.pythonpete.com/info/jungle.htm>
“Carpet Python Caresheet.” Reptillia.org. Retrieved 27 October 2002. <
http://www.reptilia.org/care_sheets/Sna ... n_care.htm>
“Jungle Carpet Pythons Care Sheet.” Something for Everyone Reptiles. Retrieved 27 October 2002.
<http://www.geocities.com/cornsnake101/junglecare.htm>