Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001
- 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
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 an
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 rainforests 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/Pythons/JungleCarpetPython/JungleCarpetPythonDesc.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/Snakes/carpetpython_care.htm>
“Jungle
Carpet Pythons Care Sheet.” Something for Everyone Reptiles. Retrieved 27
October 2002.
<http://www.geocities.com/cornsnake101/junglecare.htm>