South-western Carpet Python
Morelia spilota imbricata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Pythonidae, Genus: Morelia, Species: Morelia spilota
Endemic to the south-western region of Western Australia, ranging from Geraldton southwards and eastwards across the wheatbelt towards Kalgoorlie.
Look up South-western Carpet Python in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Pythonidae, Genus: Morelia, Species: Morelia spilota
Conservation
Least Concern globally, though subspecies like the South-western Carpet Python face localized pressures from habitat fragmentation, land clearing, and predation by introduced carnivores.
Physical Description
Displays a striking pattern of alternating dark blackish-brown and pale yellow or cream crossbands or blotches along a slender to moderately robust body. Scales are smooth, and the head is distinct from the neck with vertical elliptical pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in view appears relatively small, likely a juvenile or subadult around 60 to 100 cm in length. Adults typically reach lengths between 1.5 to 2.4 meters, with some individuals growing even larger.
Habitat
Inhabits a variety of environments including sclerophyll forests, woodlands, coastal areas, granite outcrops, and agricultural farm lands, utilizing hollow logs, rock crevices, and tree hollows for shelter.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and occasionally lizards. Utilizes an ambush hunting strategy, securing prey by constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous, laying clutches of 10 to 50 eggs usually deposited in hollow logs, tree hollows, or rock cavities. Females characteristically coil around and incubate the eggs, shivering to generate heat.
Conservation Status
Least Concern globally, though subspecies like the South-western Carpet Python face localized pressures from habitat fragmentation, land clearing, and predation by introduced carnivores.
Cultural Significance
Holds deep significance for Indigenous Australian cultures as part of the Dreaming and creation stories, and plays a vital role in controlling rodent and pest populations in agricultural ecosystems.
Notable Features
Known for its distinctive high-contrast banding pattern which provides disruptive camouflage against leaf litter and granite backgrounds in its native semi-arid and woodland habitats.
Notes
This snake was spotted on a farm in Western Australia and was very calm