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Diamond Python

Morelia spilota spilota

Photo by Neil Ross
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

A subspecies of Carpet Python (Morelia spilota), popularly known as the Diamond Python. It is a medium-to-large snake, and the average adult size of this subspecies is usually between 2 - 3 meters. The diamond python's range is from coastal areas of New South Wales, where it gradually merges with the carpet python in the area north of Newcastle, and as far south as Victoria. The two subspecies will interbreed where they overlap. My first encounter with this species, and it was in the wild.

Habitat:

Found this python sunning itself on a log amongst thick vegetation, only meters from the sand dunes and beach of Maitland Bay in Bouddi National Park. Thick coastal heathlands and rocky outcrops are a favourite of this species, and Bouddi has plenty of that. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/parkhome.aspx?id=N0005

Notes:

This spotting was on the NSW Central Coast just north of Sydney. Thanks to PN Ranger MartinL for also confirming to me his spotting in North Central Victoria.

Reference Links:

Morelia spilota spilota, Diamond Python - Australian Museum

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (13)
Neil Ross
Thanks, Martin. That's good to know. Thanks for your clarification.
MartinL
Hello Neil. I have seen the carpet python at Mt Hope (Pyramid Hill) about three years ago. Only about 1m long. The locals were not surprised. This is North Central Victoria.
Neil Ross
Thanks, Pam and Hannah. Lucky me, indeed :-)
pamsai
Fabulous snake Neil... lucky you...
Neil Ross
I just stumbled across this one, Mark. You might be lucky too :-)
Mark Ridgway
I would love to find one down here. " It has a limited distribution range in Victoria, where it is regarded as rare and threatened by reduction in available habitat. Morelia spilota metcalfei is the only other related python in the state, and is recorded as hybridising with this subspecies.." - wiki
Neil Ross
You do get them down your way then, Mark? Most sources say they're a localised species around coastal NSW, but others say they have a larger range. Nice if you do get them in VIC. Very cool snake.
Mark Ridgway
Sleeping off a good meal I think. :) I was so pleased to find out we have them in Victoria too. Hope the numbers are holding up... certainly enough possums around for them.
Neil Ross
That's why I reckon it's a 'she'. Too pretty to be a boy! Trouble is, every python I ever see I reckon is a female. I guess there has to be a male amongst them somewhere.
Neil Ross
Thanks, Ashley. I felt so lucky to see this snake. I didn't want to get too close and disturb her, but she looked like a large adult... and a fatty. Lots of good eatin' in this park.
AshleyT
What a fatty! Congrats on the lifer, such a pretty snake :)

Spotted for Missions

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Reptiles of the World
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Snakes of the World
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Flora & Fauna of New South Wales
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Mission WILD
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National Geographic's Great Nature Project

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 20, 2014

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