Carpet python – jungle (Morelia spilota cheynei)

Short answers

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

From 150×120×180 cm for one animal (minimum per the 1997 German expert report for animals over 2 m; enclosure height at most 200 cm); height matters, semi-arboreal.

Carpet python – jungle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–31 °C in the warm area (cool area 24–26 °C), basking spot 33–36 °C, at night 20–25 °C.

Carpet python – jungle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, low UVB recommended.

Carpet python – jungle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–25 years.

Carpet python – jungle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–31 °C in the warm area (cool area 24–26 °C)

Night temperature

20–25 °C

Basking spot

33–36 °C

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

UVB not essential, low UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×120×180 cm for one animal (minimum per the 1997 German expert report for animals over 2 m; enclosure height at most 200 cm); height matters, semi-arboreal

Substrate

Bark mulch, coco fibre, moisture-retaining

Feeding

Food

Mice and rats (of a suitable size)

Feeding interval

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

Key facts

Adult size

1.2–2.4 m (usually ~1.5 m, e.g. the German bloodline)

Life expectancy

20–25 years

Origin

The rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands, north-eastern Queensland (Australia)

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 slight winter drop (day ~25–27 °C, night 20–23 °C, basking spot ~33 °C) 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

Boldly marked in yellow and black, semi-arboreal and fond of climbing – enough height and branches. Suitable for beginners and robust; give newly acquired animals 1–2 weeks to settle.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Carpet python – jungle (Morelia spilota cheynei) in the marketplace →

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 – jungle (Morelia spilota cheynei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×120×180 cm for one animal (minimum per the 1997 German expert report for animals over 2 m; enclosure height at most 200 cm); height matters, semi-arboreal), substrate (Bark mulch, coco fibre, moisture-retaining), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.