Morelia spilota mcdowelli - Carpet Python

            Morelia spilota is a large snake of the Pythonidae family found in Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea. The subspecies are commonly named the Carpet and Diamond pythons.[1][2] An important, if not the largest, predator in many regions, the species traps or constricts its prey until they suffocate. Six subspecies are listed by ITIS, including the nominate subspecies Morelia spilota spilota.

A large python in the Morelia genus, reaching between 2 to 4 metres in length and weighing up to 50 kg. M. s. mcdowelli is the largest form, regularly attaining lengths of 2.7-3 m (9-10 feet).[4] M. s. variegata is the smallest, averaging of 120-180 cm (4-6) feet in length. The average adult length is roughly 2 m (6.5 ft). However, one 3-year-old captive male M. s. mcdowelli, measured in Ireland, was found to exceed 396 cm (13 ft). Males are typically smaller than females, in some regions females are up to four times heavier.[4] The head is triangular with a conspicuous row of thermoreceptive labial pits.

The coloring of Morelia spilota is highly variable, olive to black with white or cream and gold markings. The patterning may be roughly diamond shaped or have intricate markings made up of light and dark bands on a background of gray or a version of brown.

The species are oviparous, with females laying 10-50 eggs at a time. Afterwards, females coil around the eggs to protect them and keep them warm through using muscular contractions to generate heat. This type of maternal care, which is typical for pythons, ceases once the hatchlings have emerged.

Described as semi-arboreal, they are largely nocturnal, climbing trees and shrubs as well as crossing open areas such as rock faces, forest floors and even roads. However, basking behavior is commonly observed.

The diet consists mainly of small mammals, bats, birds and lizards. Morelia spilota kills their prey by constricting it until it suffocates. They are often the largest predator in their ecological community

Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, from the rainforests of northeastern Queensland (M. s. cheynei) through the River Red Gum/Riverbox woodlands of the Murray and Darling Rivers (M. s. metcalfei), to the arid, tree-less islands of Nuyts Archipelago off the South Australian west coast (M. s. imbricata). Often found near human habitation where they perform a useful service by eating rats and other vermin. M. s. spilota is even know to occur in areas that receive snowfall. Morelia spilota are tree snakes, they do not completely rely on trees, however, and are capable of moving around elsewhere.

-Wikipedia-

Taken on: January 18, 2009

Tags:

Morelia spilota

Carpet python

Jaguar Carpet Python

Morelia spilota mcdowelli

snake

constrictor

Australia

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8 micro

Thor Hakonsen

Håkonsen

MEG

Macrofoted

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Camera: Nikon D300, f/13.0, 1/100 sec, 150mm (=225mm), ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D300
Aperture:	f/13.0
Exposure Time:	0.01 sec (1/100)
Focal Length:	150mm (35mm equivalent: 225mm)
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	On, Return not detected
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Spot
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
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