THE REPTILES OF AUSTRALIA

Last Updated June 21, 2011

HOME COLUBRID SNAKES PYTHON SNAKES ELAPID SNAKES SEA SNAKES FILE SNAKES BLIND SNAKES TURTLES DRAGON LIZARDS GECKO LIZARDS LEGLESS LIZARDS MONITOR LIZARDS SKINK LIZARDS CROCODILES

Colubrid Snakes

Pythons Elapid Snakes Sea Snakes File Snakes Blind Snakes Turtles Dragon Lizards Geckos Legless Lizards Monitor Lizards Skinks Crocodiles

NORTHWESTERN (or DARWIN) CARPET PYTHON
Morelia spilota variegata
As most captive Northwestern Carpet Pythons come from the general area around Darwin, they are usually referred to as "Darwin Carpets" in the Pet trade, however the subspecies occurs in Western Australia and Queensland as well as a large area of Northern Territory. Most albino Carpet Snakes in captivity are descended from this subspecies, however it appears some have been crossed with other subspecies. Note that crossing subspecies in South Australia and possibly some other states is illegal. My understanding is that there were 2 original albino snakes. One of those was called Blondie who is probably the best known snake in Australia .The story of Blondie can be found here and pictures here.

M. s variegata  

M. s. variegata
Many pythons look at their best when they first get their adult patterning (above).
The snake in the 2 pictures below still has its hatchling coloration, typical for young Darwin Carpet Pythons

M. s. variegata
©2011 John Fowler and Rachel Barnes
M. s. variegata
©2011 John Fowler and Rachel Barnes
This young snake has its body in a coil and its mouth open ready to strike. Note the strongly forked tongue present in all snakes and some lizards, and just behind that is the glottis (breathing tube) which can be extended forward when the snake is swallowing large food to allow it to continue feeding.

OTHER LINKS OF INTEREST

 

A Listing of Australian Pythons
John Fowler


AUSTRALIAN PYTHONS
John Fowler

Pythons of the World
John Fowler

| Report Faulty Link | Report an Error | Contact John Fowler Author of the Australian Herpetology Website | Contact John Hollister Author of John Hollister Reptile Collection - Herping the Trans-Pecos & Rattlesnake Roundup

©2010 John Fowler and John Hollister. All rights reserved. Reproduction or re-use of information or materials from this web site is strictly prohibited and against international law. (NOTE:- No permission is needed to link to this web page)

Note Content provided by other contributors cannot be used without their permission.