Darwin carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata)
Snakes · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Darwin carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) (origin: Northern Australia (the Northern Territory)). Adult size around 150–200 cm (the smallest carpet python form). Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Darwin carpet python: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×100×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m).
Darwin carpet python: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–31 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Darwin carpet python: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Darwin carpet python: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–25 years.
Darwin carpet python: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×100×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m)
- Substrate
- Coco humus or bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, raised resting places
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm (the smallest carpet python form)
- Life expectancy
- 20–25 years
- Origin
- Northern Australia (the Northern Territory)
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- Optional: a slight drop for 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
The smallest carpet python form and the one that needs most warmth. Fond of climbing; the young are often snappy, adults usually calm. A good beginner's species among the pythons.
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Related species
- Centralian carpet python (Morelia bredli) – Intermediate
- 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
- Green tree python (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Darwin carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×100×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m)), substrate (Coco humus or bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, raised resting places), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morelia_spilota, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morelia_spilota_variegata, https://reptifiles.com/carpet-python-care-sheet/, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Morelia&species=spilota
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).