

While the IUCN currently lists carpet pythons as a species of least concern, it does note that wild populations are dropping. You should avoid handling carpet pythons at night, since they may mistake your hand for a tasty meal more easily. While they are very good feeders, this mimics natural behavior more closely and matches when a carpet python is naturally hungry. In captivity, it is a good idea to try feeding these snakes only in the evening. They can find common paths for prey animals thanks to a very powerful sense of smell. These snakes will pick a spot and wait for prey to come by. They predate on rodents and other small animals that are typically active at night. Even in captivity, they will be active mainly at night. Carpet Pythons are NocturnalĬarpet pythons are nocturnal animals. While it isn’t visible, carpet pythons also retain the pelvic girdles that most other species of snake have lost over time. Male carpet pythons use these to assist with mating. These snakes also retain other features, such as small spurs on either side of the cloaca. Pythons like carpet pythons have two lungs. The so-called modern snakes only have one functioning lung, typically the one on the right side. This fact may not seem very unique until you know what sets primitive snakes like pythons apart from other snakes. Once the eggs are hatched, the mother’s job is over and she will resume her normal behavior. This may influence the sex of the hatchlings, but this isn’t entirely certain since it has been proven that some pythons have XY chromosomes.Įither way, carpet pythons do care for their eggs by maintaining the temperature and humidity to help ensure healthier hatchlings. She will typically not leave her eggs, even for a meal.Ĭarpet pythons will shiver to raise the temperature and help hatch her eggs. The female will lay her eggs in her chosen nest and curl around them.

The boas which give live birth will not care for their newborns.Ĭarpet pythons and all pythons practice maternal care.

The vast majority of snake species will lay their eggs and leave them immediately. A desert-dwelling animal will use an abandoned animal burrow, while a forest-dwelling animal may use a hollow in a tree. They will also typically choose different areas to lay their eggs. They can grow to different sizes and have different habits and needs. The carpet pythons that live in these areas are all separate subspecies and have a large difference in colors. They live in habitats ranging from forests to coastlines, and desert biomes. Carpet Pythons are Very DiverseĬarpet pythons are not only the most widespread of the Australian pythons, but they are also the most diverse. These are fascinating animals, so here are some fun facts about these snakes! 1. 6 subspecies live across the continent and in Papua New Guinea. Carpet pythons ( Morelia spilota) are a species of snake native to Australia and neighboring portions of Oceania.
