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Rough-scaled python

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Rough-scaled python
Rough-scaled python pictured in captivity.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
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

The rough-scaled python is able to grow to around 2 m (6.6 ft) in total length. It has a traingular shaped head with a conspicuous contriction at the neck area.[3] 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 or dark brown with pale brown blotches. The blotches become larger toward the tail so the patter appears to be reversed.[3] 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 of monsoon rainforest. The species has one of the smallest distributions of any snake.[4]

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. The mating season is between July and August. Females usually lay around ten eggs and coils about them providing warmth until they hatch. Once the eggs do hatch the female does not take care of the young.[3]

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. ^ a b 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.
  3. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference rpa was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Rough-scaled python Scientific Name: Morelia carinata". Australian Reptile Park. 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2019.

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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