Morelia spilota variegata

Description

The Darwin Carpet Python has a moderate body and a board head, noticeably wider than its neck.

The Albino Carpet Python does not produce any black or brown pigment. Snakes that lack melanin are classified as Albion, they are usually white and have red or yellow markings. The red markings are caused by the other pigment cells also present in the skin of the animal. Albino Carpet Pythons also have red or pink eyes. This gives them a striking appearance, making them very popular among reptile fanatics.

There are various types of albinism and they can be distinguished by their different origins.

Distribution

This subspecies of Carpet Python is found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia through the top-end of the Northern Territory.

Lifespan

The lifespan of many reptiles has not been studied in great detail, the majority of python species are estimated to live into their 20s or 30s.

Size

The average length of the Albino Darwin Carpet Python is 2 metres.

Diet

Mammals, birds and lizards.

Habitat

Carpet Pythons occupy a large variety of habitats, the Top-end Carpet Python lives within sandstone escarpments, gorges, wooded savannah, gallery and Sclerophyll forests.

Breeding

The breeding season is between June - May. A female Darwin Carpet Python will lay an average of 23 eggs per clutch. The female will remain coiled around the eggs to help with incubation and to protect the eggs from predators.