Scientific name

Morelia spilota

Morelia spilota has several subspecies; identifying the lineage remains useful for interpreting husbandry references. [1][3]

Origin

Australia and New Guinea, depending on the population. [1]

  • Semi-arboreal
  • Constrictor
  • Large space

At a glance

ADULT SIZE1,5–2,5 m
Average range according to ReptiFiles; depends on the population [2].
LIFESPAN20–30 years and +
ReptiFiles captive estimate [2].
LIFESTYLEGround and branches
Semi-arboreal lifestyle [1].

Adult size

Around 1,5–2,5 m on average according to ReptiFiles, with variation between populations. [2]

Lifespan

ReptiFiles gives 20–30 years or more in captivity. [2]

Lifestyle

Occupies the ground and branches. [1]

Housing

SPACE TO CLIMB

≈ 200 × 90 × 90 cm — ReptiFiles example for a snake around 2 m long, length × depth × height. Adapt to its actual size [2].

Veterinarians recommend ventilated individual housing with shelters and climbing opportunities. [3]

Care parameters

WARM SURFACE · DAY

35–38 °C — Heated resting surface, according to ReptiFiles [2].

COOL AREA · DAY

24–26 °C — Night at 22–25 °C in the same reference [2].

Humidity

40–60 % — ReptiFiles reference, with access to a humid shelter [2].

Warm surface

35–38 °C. [2] Surface reference, not general air temperature.

Cool area

24–26 °C. [2] Distinguish every zone.

Humidity

40–60 %. [2] With an accessible humid hide.

Night

22–25 °C. [2] Overnight minimum to be recorded.

Feeding

AN APPROPRIATE DIET

Mice or rats suited to body size, fully thawed; weight monitoring helps identify excesses. [3]

Feeding

Mice or rats suited to body size, fully thawed; weight monitoring helps identify excesses. [3]

Behaviour and precautions

The temperature references presented come from ReptiFiles. The veterinary care sheet stresses differences between subspecies: do not transfer a seasonal protocol without identifying provenance. [2][3]

Useful records

Record mass, accepted or refused meals, sheds and probe locations. A measurement benefits from being accompanied by its time and zone. Compare observations over time; an unusual change warrants veterinary advice.

Securing the elevated setup

The Monkfield care sheet suggests securely fixed branches, hides and covered areas. Heating devices must be guarded and thermostatically regulated; check measurements where the animal can actually position itself. [4]

Place the water container on the cool side and renew its contents daily according to this reference. Remove soiling promptly and keep vents functional. These tasks can be recorded separately from meals. [4]

Dietary supplements: distinguish the situations

According to Monkfield, a varied diet of whole prey does not require routine supplementation. [4]

Scope: Morelia spilota as covered by the care sheet; varied diet described by Monkfield. Consider diet composition and the enclosure; no universal dosage is set by this synthesis.

Checklist

  • Check closures and supports.
  • Identify every measurement zone.
  • Keep provenance data.

Observations to record

  • Meals
  • Weight
  • Sheds
  • Temperatures

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. The Reptile Database — Morelia spilota
    Source accessed
  2. ReptiFiles — Carpet Python Care Sheet
    Source accessed
  3. The Unusual Pet Vets — Carpet Python Caresheet
    Source accessed
  4. Carpet Python Care Sheet
    Source accessed