What is the scientific name of the Papuan Carpet Python?

The scientific name of the Papuan Carpet Python is Morelia spilota variegata.

What are other common names for the Papuan Carpet Python?

The Papuan Carpet Python is also known as Torresian carpet python, Darwin carpet python, Northwestern carpet python, Irian Jaya carpet python, West papuan carpet python, and Proserpine carpet python.

How big do Papuan Carpet Pythons get?

Adult Papuan Carpet Pythons typically reach about 4-6+ ft.

How long do Papuan Carpet Pythons live?

Papuan Carpet Pythons live about 15-20 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Papuan Carpet Python need?

Recommended temperatures for a Papuan Carpet Python: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-92°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Papuan Carpet Python need?

Papuan Carpet Pythons need 50-60% humidity.

Do Papuan Carpet Pythons need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Papuan Carpet Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Papuan Carpet Python need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Papuan Carpet Python: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” ( 6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum), 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum), 96”x48”x48” (<8ft minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Papuan Carpet Pythons eat?

Papuan Carpet Pythons eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Chicks, Quail.

Are Papuan Carpet Pythons good for beginners?

Papuan Carpet Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Papuan Carpet Pythons nocturnal or diurnal?

Papuan Carpet Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Papuan Carpet Python behavior like?

Common Papuan Carpet Python behavior traits: Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Not huge burrowers; May utilize natural crevices or burrows for shelter and security; Ambush predators; Arboreal python; Can be territorial in their cage; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Need confident keepers; If not familiar with arboreal python behavior these snakes can be seen as “unpredictable”.

Do Papuan Carpet Pythons lay eggs?

Yes. Papuan Carpet Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Papuan Carpet Python lay?

A Papuan Carpet Python clutch is typically about 10-20 eggs.

How long do Papuan Carpet Python eggs take to hatch?

Papuan Carpet Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.

How long is the Papuan Carpet Python oviposition period?

The Papuan Carpet Python oviposition (egg-laying) period is typically about 30-45 days.

What is the best substrate for adult Papuan Carpet Pythons?

Recommended substrates for adult Papuan Carpet Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Papuan Carpet Python?

Recommended enclosures for Papuan Carpet Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Papuan Carpet Python?

Recommended lighting products for Papuan Carpet Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Papuan Carpet Python need?

Recommended heating products for Papuan Carpet Pythons by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Papuan Carpet Pythons?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Papuan Carpet Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Papuan Carpet Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Papuan Carpet Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Papuan Carpet Python

Common Name(s)	Papuan carpet python Torresian carpet python Darwin carpet python Northwestern carpet python Irian Jaya carpet python West papuan carpet python Proserpine carpet python
Scientific Name	Morelia spilota variegata
Behavior	Nocturnal (active at night) Generally docile Warm up easily with consistent handling Not huge burrowers May utilize natural crevices or burrows for shelter and security Ambush predators Arboreal python Can be territorial in their cage Warm up easily with consistent handling Need confident keepers If not familiar with arboreal python behavior these snakes can be seen as “unpredictable”
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Oviposition: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~10-20 eggs Incubation: ~60-70 days
Lifespan	~15-20 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-92°F basking spot
Humidity	50-60%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~4-6+ ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months) 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum) 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum) 96”x48”x48” (<8ft minimum) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18.
Diet	Carnivorous: Whole Prey Rodents Chicks Quail

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Subadult Papuan Carpet Pythons

Subadult Papuan Carpet Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Papuan Carpet Pythons

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Papuan Carpet Pythons

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 180 Gallon 48x24x36 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Papuan Carpet Pythons

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Papuan Carpet Pythons

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Papuan Carpet Pythons

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Papuan Carpet Pythons

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x24, 45 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Papuan Carpet Pythons

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Papuan Carpet Pythons

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Papuan Carpet Python (Morelia spilota variegata), also known as the Papuan python, is a striking and unique subspecies within the Morelia spilota complex native to Papua New Guinea and surrounding islands. These pythons exhibit considerable variability in coloration and pattern, ranging from vibrant yellow and gold hues to darker shades of brown and black, often adorned with irregular patterns and blotches. This variability is influenced by their geographic distribution across diverse habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and coastal regions, where they blend effectively with their surroundings to ambush prey.

One intriguing aspect of Papuan Carpet Pythons is their relatively smaller size compared to other carpet python subspecies, typically reaching lengths of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) on average, sometimes larger. Despite their smaller stature, they are known for their robust build and strong feeding response, primarily targeting small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. In captivity, they are favored among reptile enthusiasts for their manageable size, docile temperament, and striking appearance, making them suitable pets for those experienced with reptile husbandry. Their natural habitat in Papua New Guinea faces challenges from habitat loss and collection for the exotic pet trade, emphasizing the importance of responsible breeding and conservation efforts to sustain wild populations of this captivating python species.

Native Range

New Guinea

Western New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Australian

Northwestern

Western

& Northern Territory (Port Essington)

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect papuan carpet python bedding for your pet.

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Common Papuan Carpet Python ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Papuan Carpet Python is Morelia spilota variegata.
: The Papuan Carpet Python is also known as Torresian carpet python, Darwin carpet python, Northwestern carpet python, Irian Jaya carpet python, West papuan carpet python, and Proserpine carpet python.
: Papuan Carpet Pythons are native to New Guinea, Western New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, Australian, Northwestern, Western, and & Northern Territory (Port Essington).
: Adult Papuan Carpet Pythons typically reach about 4-6+ ft.
: Papuan Carpet Pythons live about 15-20 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Papuan Carpet Python: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-92°F basking spot.
: Papuan Carpet Pythons need 50-60% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Papuan Carpet Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Papuan Carpet Python: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months), 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum), 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum), 96”x48”x48” (<8ft minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Papuan Carpet Pythons eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Chicks, Quail.
: Papuan Carpet Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Papuan Carpet Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Papuan Carpet Python behavior traits: Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Not huge burrowers; May utilize natural crevices or burrows for shelter and security; Ambush predators; Arboreal python; Can be territorial in their cage; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Need confident keepers; If not familiar with arboreal python behavior these snakes can be seen as “unpredictable”.
: Yes. Papuan Carpet Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Papuan Carpet Python clutch is typically about 10-20 eggs.
: Papuan Carpet Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.
: The Papuan Carpet Python oviposition (egg-laying) period is typically about 30-45 days.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Papuan Carpet Pythons: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Papuan Carpet Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Papuan Carpet Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Papuan Carpet Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Papuan Carpet Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Papuan Carpet Pythons by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Papuan Carpet Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Papuan Carpet Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Papuan Carpet Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.