Rough-scaled python
| Rough-scaled python | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pythonidae |
| Genus: | Morelia |
| Species: | M. carinata |
| Binomial name | |
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Morelia carinata (L.A. Smith, 1981) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Morelia carinata, commonly known as the rough-scaled python, is a large-scaled python species endemic to Australia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Adults grow to 2 m (6.6 ft) in total length. M. carinata is distinguished by the presence of a large parietal scale and by having distinct keeled dorsal scales. The body is slim and muscular. The color pattern is light honey-tan with darker reddish-brown markings. The belly is white, possibly with black spots.
They are now available to private owners, originating from a few wild caught specimens, as it was found they breed readily in captivity.
Found in Australia, northwestern Western Australia in the lower sections of the Mitchell and Hunter rivers, just inland from the coast.
The type locality given is "Mitchell River Falls, Western Australia (14°50'S, 125°42'E)" [Australia].
They are found in rocky valleys of Kimberley region in far northern Western Australia where they climb on low trees and shrubs.
So far reported to be strictly crepuscular. The temperament is quite docile with rarely any attempts to bite.
This species is confirmed to be an egg-layer (oviparous) like other pythons.
This species was only filmed for the first time by wildlife conservationist Malcolm Douglas, and shown on his Kimberley Adventure Part 1.
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Wikipedia