Rough-scaled python

Rough-scaled python
Rough-scaled python pictured in captivity.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Serpentes
Family:Pythonidae
Genus:Morelia
Species: M. carinata
Binomial name
Morelia carinata
(L.A. Smith, 1981)
Synonyms
  • Python carinatus
    L.A. Smith, 1981
  • Morelia carinata
    – H.G. Cogger, Cameron &
    H.M. Cogger, 1983    [1]

Morelia carinata, commonly known as the rough-scaled python, is a large-scaled python species endemic to Australia. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]

Description

Adult Morelia Carinata 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.

Captivity

They are now available to private owners, originating from a few wild caught specimens, as it was found they breed readily in captivity.

Distribution and habitat

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].[1]

They are found in rocky valleys of Kimberley region in far northern Western Australia where they climb on low trees and shrubs.

Behavior

So far reported to be strictly crepuscular. The temperament is quite docile with rarely any attempts to bite.

Reproduction

This species is confirmed to be an egg-layer (oviparous) like other pythons.

Media

This species was only filmed for the first time by wildlife conservationist Malcolm Douglas, and shown on his Kimberley Adventure Part 1.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. ↑ "Morelia carinata". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 19 September 2007.

Further reading

  • Smith, L.A. 1981. A Revision of the Python Genera Aspidites and Python (Serpentes: Boidae) in Western Australia. Rec. West. Australian Mus. 9 (2): 211-226. ("Python carinatus sp. nov.", pp. 220–222, Figures 5 & 6.)
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