Description
Adults can grow to 4 m in length and weigh over 5 kg. Morelia spilota mcdowelli is the largest form, regularly attaining lengths of 2.7-3m. Morelia spilota variegata is the smallest, averaging of 120-180cm in length. The average adult length is roughly 2m. However, one 3-year-old captive male Morelia spilota mcdowelli, measured in Ireland, was found to exceed 396cm. Males are typically smaller than females and the head is triangular heads with a conspicuous row of thermoreceptive labial pits.
The colour patterns for Morelia spilota varies depending on the subspecies. All subspecies have a distinctive colour pattern.
Range
Found in Indonesia (southern Western New Guinea in Merauke Regency), Papua New Guinea (southern Western Province, the Port Moresby area of Central Province and on Yule Island) and Australia (excluding southern Victoria and much of the center and the west of the country).
Habitat
Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, from the rainforests of northeastern Queensland (Morelia spilota cheynei) through the River Red Gum/Riverbox woodlands of the Murray and Darling Rivers (Morelia spilota metcalfei), to the arid, tree-less islands of Nuyts Archipelago off the South Australian west coast (Morelia spilota imbricata). Often found near human habitation where they perform a useful service by eating rats and other vermin. Morelia spilota spilota is even know to occur in areas that receive snowfall. Diamond pythons are tree snakes, they do not completely rely on trees, however, and are capable of moving around elsewhere.
Behavior
Described as semi-arboreal, they are largely nocturnal, climbing trees and shrubs as well as crossing open areas such as rock faces, forest floors and even roads. However, basking behavior is commonly observed.
Diet
The diet consists mainly of small mammals, possums, bats, birds and lizards. Captive specimens are normally fed live or frozen rats.
Reproduction
Oviparous, with females laying 10-50 eggs at a time. Afterward, females coil around the eggs to protect them and keep them warm through using muscular contractions to generate heat. This type of maternal care, which is typical for pythons, ceases once the hatchlings have emerged. North Queensland species are also known to be quite fond of green tree frogs.
Captivity
This species is a popular pet among enthusiasts. Some forms can be more irascible than others, such as Morelia spilota mcdowelli and Morelia spilota variegata. Forms that tend to be more even tempered include Morelia spilota spilota and Morelia spilota metcalfei. However this is not a hard rule. Although they can grow to a reasonable size (2-3.5 m) and can be nippy as hatchlings, most will grow into docile, trustworthy adults. However, care must be taken when feeding, as these snakes have a strong feeding response; behavior that can be mistaken for aggression. They can be fed on rats and mice and have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Subspecies
Related Links
