Scaly friends count too.

Carpet Python

Morelia spilota

Also called Diamond python, Jungle carpet python, Coastal carpet python, Inland carpet python, Rautenpython

SpeciesShort profile

From Australia (most of the mainland except the arid centre and west), southern New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the northern Solomon Islands.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length120 to 400 cm1 3

Lifespan20 to 30 years1 3

Sizelarge

Huge variety of patterns between subspecies

Becomes an engaging, interactive companion

Agile climber that is fun to watch

3 1 2

Looks how to spot one

Smooth scales; slender-to-medium python with heat-sensing lip pits

A graceful python with a highly variable pattern of light and dark bands or diamond shapes. Base colour ranges from olive to black, set off by cream, white or gold markings, and each subspecies has its own look.1 2

Coloursolive to black with cream, white or gold markingsbrown or red formsgreen formsyellow formsblue forms1 2

Personality what they are like

Varies by subspecies. Young carpet pythons are often nervous and quick to nip, but with regular handling most mature into calm, engaging adults. Diamond and inland forms are generally thought of as the most easygoing.3 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Semi-arboreal: spends lots of time climbing but also comes down to the ground. Needs tall enclosure space with sturdy branches and perches.3 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular, consistent handling helps young pythons settle. Provide a humid hide at all times and lower temperatures by about 3-6 °C in winter.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum enclosure about 200 x 90 x 90 cm (6.5 x 3 x 3 ft), with extra height strongly preferred. Basking surface 35-38 °C, cool end 24-26 °C, night 22-25 °C. Humidity 40-60%. 5-10 cm of soil-based substrate.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Whole prey such as mice, rats, quail and chicks, with variety encouraged. Juveniles eat every 1-2 weeks, adults every 2-4 weeks. Wild carpet pythons eat small mammals, birds and lizards.3 1

Company who they like around

Solitary; house individually.3

The story where it all began

Lacépède described the species in 1804. Across Australia and New Guinea it split into several distinct regional forms, now treated as six subspecies, and these forms are kept and bred widely in the hobby.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Mothers coil around their eggs and twitch their muscles to generate warmth, a kind of shivering that keeps the clutch warm.1
2
Heat-sensing pits along the lips let them detect warm-bodied prey.1
3
The species comes in brown, red, green, yellow and even blue forms.2
4
Females lay between 10 and 50 eggs at a time.1

Recognised by the official bits

The Reptile Database: Accepted species Morelia spilota (Lacépède, 1804) with six subspecies: spilota, cheynei, mcdowelli, metcalfei, variegata and harrisoni.2
IUCN Red List (as reported by Wikipedia): Least Concern overall.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Carpet Python. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Fresh waterevery day
Temperature checkCheck the warm and cool endsevery day
Humidity checkevery 2 days
Spot cleanevery 2 days
FeedingHow often depends on species, age and sizevaries
Shed checkNote each shed in the diary; a complete shed is a good signvaries
Weigh inevery month
Full cleanevery month
Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Carpet Python?

Juveniles eat every 1-2 weeks, while adults eat every 2-4 weeks. Offer whole prey like mice, rats, quail, or chicks for variety. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.3 1

What does a Carpet Python eat, and what should it never eat?

They thrive on whole prey such as mice, rats, quail, and chicks. Avoid feeding them any other foods, and never offer live prey that could harm them.3 1

How much space does a Carpet Python need?

A minimum enclosure of 200 x 90 x 90 cm (6.5 x 3 x 3 ft) is recommended, with extra height strongly preferred because they are semi-arboreal climbers. Provide sturdy branches and perches for climbing.3

What temperature, light or water does a Carpet Python need?

Keep the basking surface at 35-38°C, the cool end at 24-26°C, and night temperatures at 22-25°C. Humidity should be 40-60%. Fresh water must be available daily. Lighting needs are not specified in the provided information; consult an exotic-pet vet.3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Carpet Python's home?

Spot clean the enclosure every couple of days to remove waste. A full clean should be done monthly, as suggested by Furry Diary's care plan. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Carpet Python live with others?

No, carpet pythons are solitary and should be housed individually to avoid stress and aggression.3

How long does a Carpet Python live?

Carpet pythons can live between 20 and 30 years with proper care.3 1

Can I handle a Carpet Python?

Yes, with regular, consistent handling young pythons become calm and engaging adults. Always handle gently and support their body.3 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Morelia spilota - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, behaviour, reproduction, conservation, fun facts
Morelia spilota - The Reptile Database reptile-database.reptarium.czused for accepted name, distribution, subspecies, colour forms
Carpet Python Care Sheet - ReptiFiles reptifiles.comused for enclosure, temperatures, humidity, substrate, diet, handling, length, lifespan

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.