Appearance
"M. s. spilota" is quite variable in colour and pattern, typically being predominantly dark olive to black in colour with most dorsal scales having a yellow spot in the centre. Along the body and tail are numerous clusters of yellow or cream scales that form "rosettes" that look a bit like diamonds. The underside is white, cream or even yellowish in colour, although it is often spotted with black.The average adult size of this subspecies is usually about 2 m in total length, although it is known to reach a total length of about 3 m, with very rare specimens recorded at up to 4 m.
Behavior
The diamond python is typically inoffensive by nature and generally reluctant to bite.This python is an ambush predators with large territories that often overlap. It moves around these territories seasonally to occupy well camouflaged positions in the warmer months and brumate in the winter months. Females have ranges up to 50 ha; males may occupy areas almost twice as large. The diamond python is often active during the day and on warm nights, although most of its time is spent waiting in ambush for passing prey. It typically remains in one position for up to two weeks, before moving to another around 100 m away.
"M. s. spilota" kills its food by constricting and suffocating it, and preys on lizards, birds, and mammals as large as possums. It is not a danger to humans, but is capable of biting and leaving teeth in the wound if severely harassed.
Reproduction
"M. s. spilota" is an oviparous snake, averaging 25 eggs in a clutch and laying up to 54 eggs. The female defends her eggs by coiling around them and shivering to regulate their temperature. She does not leave the eggs to eat during the incubation period, apart from briefly basking in the sun to raise her body temperature and then returning. Maternal care does not continue once the young have emerged. Juveniles resemble other "M. spilota" subspecies, although they become more distinct in their appearance as they mature. Hatchlings are typically browner in colour rather than the typical black of adult colouration and superficially resemble other carpet python subspecies.References:
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