Carpet python – diamond (Morelia spilota spilota)

Short answers

Carpet python – diamond: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 150×150×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m); (1 adult animal); likes to climb, height matters.

Carpet python – diamond: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C (summer; cool area 22–25 °C), basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 20–24 °C (summer).

Carpet python – diamond: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, low UVB (Ferguson zone 1–2) recommended.

Carpet python – diamond: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

Carpet python – diamond: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C (summer; cool area 22–25 °C)

Night temperature

20–24 °C (summer)

Basking spot

32–35 °C

Humidity

50–65 %

UVB

UVB not essential, low UVB (Ferguson zone 1–2) recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×150×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m); (1 adult animal); likes to climb, height matters

Substrate

Bark mulch, coco fibre, beech chips

Feeding

Food

Mice, rats; adults also take larger rodents

Feeding interval

adults every 10–21 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size

usually 2–2.5 m (up to ~3 m)

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

Coastal south-eastern Australia (NSW / Victoria), a temperate climate

Protection status

CITES Appendix II, EU Regulation 338/97 Annex B → specially protected under German law; proof of origin plus registration required

Brumation

COMPULSORY: a winter rest of several weeks – day ~18–20 °C, night 13–18 °C, with the basking spot reduced if needed (~33 °C); lasting about 6–12 weeks

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – territorial and solitary; put them together only under supervision for breeding, then separate them; never keep males together

Notes

IMPORTANT: a temperate origin – permanent warmth leads to "diamond python syndrome" (a neurological burn-out). Seasonal cooling and a winter rest are essential, as is a cooler base temperature than for the tropical forms. Do not keep it too warm.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Centralian carpet python (Morelia bredli) – Intermediate
• Darwin carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) – Beginner
• Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Biak (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Jayapura (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Lereh (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Merauke (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
• Green tree python – Sorong (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Carpet python – diamond (Morelia spilota spilota) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×150×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m); (1 adult animal); likes to climb, height matters), substrate (Bark mulch, coco fibre, beech chips), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.