
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Morelia spilota cheynei
A carpet python subspecies from the rainforests of north-eastern Queensland, Australia. A medium-sized, semi-arboreal python usually 1.5-2.1 m long.
The jungle carpet python is Morelia spilota cheynei, a subspecies of the carpet python in the family Pythonidae. Its type locality is Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tableland in north Queensland, and it inhabits the rainforests of north-eastern Queensland. The carpet python ranges widely across New Guinea and Australia and is divided into subspecies such as the coastal carpet python (M. s. mcdowelli) from north Queensland to northern New South Wales, the diamond python (the nominate M. s. spilota) of coastal New South Wales, M. s. variegata of northern Australia and the inland M. s. metcalfei. The species is extremely variable, with brown, red, green, yellow and bluish forms known, so subspecies are best distinguished by locality and lineage rather than looks alone. Adults are medium-sized at about 1.5 to 2.1 m, wild females have exceeded 2.6 m, and females are typically larger than males. It is semi-arboreal and in captivity eats medium-sized rodents such as rats, mice and young rabbits. In Japan captive-bred animals are sold at specialist shops and reptile shows.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Jungle Carpet Python lives up to about 20 years (captive record).
The Jungle Carpet Python grows to 1.5-2.1 m total length (wild females over 2.6 m recorded).
Origin
North-eastern Queensland, Australia (rainforest around the Atherton Tableland)
Lifespan
up to about 20 years (captive record)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Morelia spilota cheynei Wells & Wellington, 1984
Synonyms: Morelia cheynei Wells & Wellington, 1984
Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Morelia spilota · GBIF: Morelia spilota cheynei
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires an export permit from the country of origin, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan. The entire family Pythonidae has been listed since 1977, and this subspecies is covered as part of Morelia spilota.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Morelia spilota
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
1.5-2.1 m total length (wild females over 2.6 m recorded)
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Carnivore (rats, mice and other rodents)
As a semi-arboreal snake it needs floor space plus height and sturdy perches. Plan for an animal of around 2 m.
In captivity feed medium-sized rodents such as mice, rats and young rabbits sized to the snake's girth.
It comes from tropical rainforest in north-eastern Queensland; published keeping temperatures vary, so provide a gradient the snake can choose from.
Females tend to grow larger, and wild females over 2.6 m have been recorded.
Carpet python subspecies overlap in appearance, so confirm lineage and locality for animals sold as jungle carpets. Never release a captive animal into the wild.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Jungle Carpet Python is up to about 20 years (captive record). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Jungle Carpet Python typically reaches 1.5-2.1 m total length (wild females over 2.6 m recorded) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Jungle Carpet Python feeds on: Carnivore (rats, mice and other rodents). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Jungle Carpet Python varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: October 1, 2026