Fun Carpet Python Facts For Kids

The Carpet Python was found in southern and southwestern parts of Australia and parts of New Guinea. They are also popularly called the diamond python and are non-venomous in nature and adapt to a variety of habitats. Their name was kept considered the fact that the pattern on their body resembles that of an oriental carpet pattern hence they are victims of pet trade in most instances. An adult Carpet Python size is about five to nine feet. When young, the Carpet Python bite and attack more as compared to when they are adults and trained. These snakes are not harmful to humans however the Carpet Python teeth are many in number and these resemble sharp needles.  

Carpet Python morphs or subspecies include Centralian Carpet Python, Granite Carpet Python, Australian Carpet Python, Caramel Carpet Python, inland Carpet Python, Tiger Carpet Python, Albino Carpet Python, Axanthic Carpet Python, Jungle Jaguar Carpet Python, Zebra Carpet Python, Darwin Carpet Python, Irian Jaya Carpet Python, and the Coastal Carpet Python. In this article, we will take a look at facts and information about carpet snakes. If you like this article then visit copperhead snake and kingsnake facts.

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What type of animal is a Carpet Python?

The Carpet Python or the diamond python is a snake and the jungle carpet python size is approximately five to nine feet in length.  

What class of animal does a Carpet Python belong to?

The Carpet Python is a reptile, belongs to the Pythonidae family of species, and is known by its scientific name Morelia spilota.

How many Carpet Pythons are there in the world?

The exact number of Carpet Pythons in the world is not known and it is categorized under the Least Concern category. The Carpet Pythons are slaughtered for their attractive skin patterns and used in leather products however this is not a good practice considering how unsustainable and unethical it is.  

Where does a Carpet Python live?

Carpet Pythons can be found in the woods, the desert as well as a pet in a house or an ecological space like a forest or a zoo. Given that they have the ability to grow to great sizes, it's essential to ensure they have enough space to move around if kept as a pet.

What is a Carpet Python's habitat?

Carpet Pythons are warm-blooded snakes and don't have any single habitat. They are adaptable to sustaining themselves in different environments like the eastern coastal rainforests as well as central desert areas. They are found primarily in northern, southern as well as western Australia, northeastern Queensland, and some parts of New Guinea. They can also be found in pipes of pumps in houses as they follow rodents to prey on them.

Who do Carpet Pythons live with?

Carpet Pythons live on their own as well as with other species of their own and as pets with people. There are 15 species of Carpet Pythons that live in Australia, some of them include Coastal Carpet Python, and the Irian Jaya Carpet Python among others.

How long does a Carpet Python live?

The estimated lifespan of a Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) is 20 years or more depending on its environment and dietary patterns. Some Carpet Pythons have been recorded to live up to 22 years old.

How do they reproduce?

Adult Carpet Pythons reach sexual maturity at the age of two to three years of age. These snakes only group together to breed. The average adult females lay about 10-40 eggs in a hollow tree or a burrow deserted by another animal. After laying eggs the female lays around the baby snakes to keep to generate heat and keep them warm until they hatch. When kept in conservation forests they are usually kept in incubation centers. The eggs hatch after 50-60 days and the female continues to protect her eggs till then. Some snakes don't make it however others survive. The young offspring is about 30 cm long at birth.

What is their conservation status?

The worm snake species are considered as the Least Concern species by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN).

What do Carpet Pythons look like?

The carpet python has markings similar to that of a carpet and is attractive in looks. Their skin color is primarily black with brown spots and patterns. There are variations to the pattern depending on the subspecies as well.  Because of their pattern and design, they tend to get camouflaged in the forests so it has become hard to spot them. Their eye color is usually dark and they have the special ability to see a part of the spectrum that we as humans cannot see. This rare light is also referred to as an infrared-red light. They also have a series of special pits which help them sense things differently.

How cute are they?

They are harmless beings making them approachable in nature as compared to other venomous snakes. They are not exactly cute however the snake has beautiful skin and pattern on its body that instantly catches your eye.

How do they communicate?

Male Carpet Pythons make use of chemoreception to differentiate among females as well as utilize other forms of personal communication to communicate to members of their own species. As a pet, it's essential to recognize its dietary and other requirements to ensure it stay healthy and happy.  

How big is a Carpet Python?

A Carpet Python is 5-9 ft (120-180 cm) which is 12 times bigger than the smallest snake in the world i.e. the Barbados thread snake which is 10 cm tall in size.

How fast can a Carpet Python move?

The Carpet Pythons love to move from one branch to another. Such habits are common to all the species belonging to the same family. These snakes are not the quickest of the species and have a slow movement on regular basis but when they are prepared to attack prey they tend to plan things out strategically and move.  

How much does a Carpet Python weigh?

The Carpet Python full-grown weighs 30lb (15 kg). Females grow larger than males and hence their weight is comparatively more.

What are their male and female names of the species?

The female and males of the species are not referred to differently however there are some distinctive features unique only to the particular gender of the species some of which include that females are relatively larger in size as compared to male species. Males python snakes have a portion of the tail that is thicker and longer as compared to their female counterparts.

What would you call a baby Carpet Python?

The hatchlings are referred to as eggs until they hatch and mature only when they reach the age of two to three years. The young hatchlings are approximately 12 in i.e. 30 cm in length and are to be fed once a week minimum. If you are considering adopting a small Carpet Python then a 15-gallon tank would suffice but it would need to be changed as the python grows older.

What do they eat?

Their diet consists primarily of rodents. Adult Carpet Pythons need to be fed two to three times a week however the hatchlings can survive on food served once a week. They usually kill prey by suffocating them. They also consume bats, birds, and other beings like lizards.

Are they dangerous?

The Carpet Python temperament is not very aggressive in nature and so they can also be kept as pets. They move in and near houses sometimes in search of food like rodents so they kind of service like a pest killer. When kept as pets the Carpet Python enclosures should be built in such a way that they have enough place to move around, with adequate temperature control, water, and resting spots which can be made from any boxes.

Would they make a good pet?

Carpet Python pet is a good pet for those who already own snakes and have experience with taking care of them. They are harmless snakes however they require lots of space to move around and live. Installing a Carpet Python enclosure with a box or hiding place with lots of space to move around and climb on to plants or trees is ideal. Their tank should contain water at room temperature at all times since they shed skin. Carpet Python care is simple as long as their diet and other requirements are taken care of. Carpet Python care is easy also because they adapt to most climates. If you own a Jungle Carpet Python, Jungle Carpet Python care requires misting their enclosures regularly although they are tolerant to humidity. The Carpet Pythons species-specific requirements can be looked into by consulting a professional in the field or even online.

Did you know...

The Carpet Python is known as a popular pet species and is widely present in most regions in Australia however, they are not present in one region in Australia and this place is Tasmania. Reasons as to why this is are unclear.

Pythons are primitive snakes that have vestigial or leftover pelvic girdles and hind limbs that show up externally as a pair of spurs near the base of its tail which are used during courtship by male carpet pythons.

Carpet Pythons feature in various stories created by different groups who are part of aboriginal tribes. They are admired for their strength and beauty i.e. their outward skin which resembles a carpet and easily camouflages into their habitat.

What is the biggest Carpet Python breed?

The biggest Carpet Python breed is the Morelia spilota or the Carpet Python itself which reaches 6.6-13.1 ft which is approximately 2-4 m and is popular in part of south western American and parts of New Guinea. It is one of the larger subspecies of the python genus.

How to take care of a Carpet Python?

A basic enclosure for this snake should ideally be a four-foot by four-foot tank if the snake is a medium-sized snake. If they grow larger they require bigger enclosures. They primarily feed on rodents like rats, birds, and even bats and lizards if they don't find rodents. Since their food is primarily present near houses or pipelines and other small places they tend to be found in such areas and generally crush their prey before eating them. The Carpet Python is a relatively attractive snake and a unique species of pet to own for those interested in it. It's essential, however, to enquire about the legalities of owning this pet in your region as well and if it is suitable to the place you stay since this pet is not ideal to be kept in an apartment or small confined spaces. They are harmless beings and will be a good companion to experienced snake owners.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles including cottonmouth snake, or bog turtle.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Carpet Python coloring pages.

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