Carpet python – inland (Morelia spilota metcalfei)

Short answers

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

From 150×150×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m).

Carpet python – inland: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C (cool area 24–28 °C), basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Carpet python – inland: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, low UVB recommended.

Carpet python – inland: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

Carpet python – inland: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C (cool area 24–28 °C)

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

32–35 °C

Humidity

40–60 % (the more arid form)

UVB

UVB not essential, low UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×150×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m)

Substrate

Rather dry: beech chips, cypress mulch, bark mulch

Feeding

Food

Mice, rats; adults also take larger rodents or quail

Feeding interval

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

Key facts

Adult size

1.7–2.5 m (up to ~2.7–3 m)

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

The Murray-Darling basin, inland south-eastern Australia (semi-arid)

Protection status

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

Brumation

An optional winter rest (~6–8 weeks, cooler) to stimulate breeding

Cohabitation

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

Notes

The Murray-Darling or inland form is considered particularly even-tempered and suitable for beginners. A more arid origin – lower humidity, drier substrate, good ventilation.

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 – inland (Morelia spilota metcalfei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×150×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m)), substrate (Rather dry: beech chips, cypress mulch, bark mulch), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.