Biology:Morelia spilota metcalfei

From HandWiki
Short description: Subspecies of snake

Morelia spilota metcalfei
Murray darling carpet python, head and pattern.jpg
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Morelia
Species:
Subspecies:
M. s. metcalfei
Trinomial name
Morelia spilota metcalfei
Wells & Wellington, 1984
Murray Darling distribution.svg
Range of M. s. spilota (in red)
Synonyms
  • Morelia metcalfei - Wells & Wellington, 1984
  • Morelia spilota metcalfei - Barker & Barker, 1994[1]
Common names: Murray-Darling carpet python, MD carpet python, inland carpet python, riverine carpet python, Victorian carpet python.

Morelia spilota metcalfei is a python subspecies[2] found in Australia , commonly known as the Murray-Darling carpet python. The pythons are non-venomous snakes that constrict their prey. They grow up to 2.7m (10 feet), but adults are usually around 2.4m (8 feet).[3] Colour varies depending on locality. Victorian Murray-Darlings are silver with solid black blotches and stripes; in New South Wales the silver becomes a light brown and the patterning has more of a black colour; South Australian MDs appear similar to those in New South Wales, though with patches of maroon.[citation needed] These pythons are semi-arboreal, typically inhabiting rocky outcrops, dry woodlands, riverine forests and flood plains.[4][5] The threats to the snakes are people and other snakes.[citation needed]

Diet

Murray Darling pythons naturally feed on mammals, birds and lizards.[4] In captivity, they are fed mice and rats, and as adults can be fed rabbits, quails and small chickens.[3]

Geographic range

Found in Australia in the Murray-Darling Basin of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The type locality given is "Warrum bungle Mountains, New South Wales" [Australia].[1]

In captivity

These pythons are popular as pets due to their mild temperament, although a license and fees are usually required in Australia. As with other carpet python subspecies, both naturally occurring and designer morphs are common in captive specimens, such as albino or reduced pattern varieties.[6]

Image gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN:1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN:1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. "Morelia spilota metcalfei". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=635069. Retrieved 19 September 2007. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 DoLittle Farm Inland Carpet Python fact sheet Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Resident Animals - Murray Darling Carpet Python Retrieved on 7 February 2013.
  5. "Melbourne Museum: Wild - Inland Carpet Python". http://museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/discoverycentre/wild/victorian-environments/mallee/inland-carpet-python/. 
  6. Frequently Asked Questions - Aussie Pythons and Snakes Retrieved on 7 February 2013.

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q3016085 entry