Coastal carpet python

Morelia spilota mcdowelli

''Morelia spilota mcdowelli'' is a subspecies of ''Morelia spilota'', commonly known as the carpet python, and is informally named the Eastern, Coastal or McDowell's Carpet python. The original description and name was published by Wells and Wellington in 1984. It occurs along the northeastern coast of Australia and in New Guinea.
Morelia spilota mcdowelli A wild juvenile Coastal Carpet Python (Morelia spilota mcdowelli) coiled and wary, ready to strike. They are a very common snake in the coastal regions of Eastern Australia, often living in roofs while preying on rodents. They can be aggressive if provoked but generally prefer to leave, and be left, alone. This one had been messing about in the cobwebs of a shed, hence the jetsam around his mouth. Nikon D700 Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 @ FL: 70mm Aperture: f/2.8 Australia,Coastal carpet python,Geotagged,Morelia spilota mcdowelli,Reptiles,Snakes,carpet snake,closeup,python

Appearance

This is a subspecies of ''Morelia spilota'' and usually attains lengths of 2.7-over 3 m in length.

The scales along the lower jaw are pitted. olive brown with darker blotches and stripes. the pattern and colour are variable. midbody scales in 40-60 rows. single anal scale subcaudal scales divided. most of the head scales are small. beadlike and arranged irregularly.
Coastal Carpet python A shot sent to me today from my husband who was in Coffs Harbour, mid north coast New South Wales. He spotted a carpet python, quite relaxed, sunning itself in the grounds of the hospital. It's quite a rural location and staff told him there are plenty of rabbits around. He estimates 2 metres in length. Australia,Coastal carpet python,Geotagged,Morelia spilota mcdowelli,Pythonidae,Squamata,autumn,fauna,reptile,snake

Habitat

They are widespread in Australia in eastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
The type locality given is "Terania Creek, N.S.W." . they may be encountered on the ground, draped across boughs of trees or coiled up in undergrowth. They are frequently found residing in the roofs of houses even in well settled suburban areas, rainforest, wet or dry eucalypt forest, heathland, pasture, agricultural and urban areas.
Coastal Carpet Python - Morelia Spilota McDowelli Australia,Coastal carpet python,Geotagged,Morelia spilota mcdowelli,Summer

Reproduction

This large species of python can lay up-to 35 eggs which the female will coil her self around, and if the eggs are removed incubated at 84-86f the young will emerge after 65-70 Days.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyPythonidae
GenusMorelia
SpeciesM. spilota
Photographed in
Australia