The Jungle Carpet Python (Morelia spilota cheynei) is a non-venomous constrictor snake, and a reptile.
The Jungle Carpet Python has bright or pale yellow and black markings in regular stripes or arrow-head shapes. Its underbelly is yellowish.
Jungle Carpet Python
It can grow to 150-200 centimetres (59-78 inches) in length.
The Jungle Carpet Python is native to Queensland in the north-eastern area of Australia, mainly on the Atherton Tableland. It prefers tropical and sub-tropical rain forests near creeks, streams, and rivers. It is semi-arboreal, living in trees some of the time.
The Jungle Carpet Python is carnivorous, eating mammals, such as rats, mice, rabbits, and possums, as well as birds, bird eggs, lizards, toads, and frogs.
It is oviparous. The female lays 10-12 eggs. She incubates them (keeps them warm) by coiling around them and shivering her muscles.
Jungle Carpet Python
Jungle Carpet Python
Jungle Carpet Python
[Location of photographs: Paris Zoo, France]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM