Pythonidae
Carpet Python
Morelia spilota
A patterned python that can live in woodland, gardens and buildings as well as less disturbed habitats. Brown and cream blotches are common, but some forms have much darker bodies with pale spots. The diamond python is included within this variable species.
Non-venomous
Identification and appearance
Look for a substantial body and a pattern of irregular patches, spots or bands rather than one fixed colour scheme. The head is distinct from the neck. Regional forms differ enough that a photograph from one part of Australia may be a poor visual match for another. An adult's size should not be applied to a young python.
Other names
Carpet Snake, Diamond Python
Typical length
Often around 2–2.5 m as adults, depending on form; large individuals can reach about 4 m.
Body build
robust
Head appearance
distinct from neck
Key identification features
- Irregular pale and dark pattern
- Substantial body with distinct head
- May be on the ground, in branches or around buildings
Where it is found
Occurs in northern, eastern and parts of southern mainland Australia, with major gaps in the arid centre. This profile includes northern WA populations; the south-western carpet python is treated separately as Morelia imbricata. No Tasmanian native range is included.
Habitat
In Queensland, Carpet Pythons occupy habitats from the wet tropics to near-arid country. They use tree hollows, logs, rocky crevices and dense vegetation, and sometimes shelter in roofs.
Activity
Mostly active after dark, but a resting or basking animal may be seen by day. It uses both trees and ground-level cover.
Diet
Constriction subdues prey such as mammals and birds; smaller pythons also eat lizards. Rodents around buildings can provide food.
Reproduction
Lays eggs and coils around them during incubation.
Medical significance
Has no venom, but can bite if handled. A suspected snakebite still needs emergency assessment because a website identification may be wrong.
What to do if you encounter one
Give it space and keep pets away. Do not try to pull a python from a roof, branch or tight gap. If its position creates a problem, a licensed snake remover can assess the situation.
Similar-looking snakes
Young carpet pythons can be confused with smaller patterned pythons. Compare location and overall pattern without approaching to inspect the head.
Photo: Connor Margetts · CC0 1.0 (Licence)
Pythonidae
South-western Carpet Python
Morelia imbricata
A non-venomous python of southern Western Australia and parts of South Australia.
Open identification guide
Photo: Christopher Watson · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Licence)
Pythonidae
Centralian Carpet Python
Morelia bredli
A large non-venomous python of central Australia's rocky ranges and woodlands.
Open identification guide
Photo: Max Tibby · CC0 1.0 (Licence)
Pythonidae
Spotted Python
Antaresia maculosa
A patterned python with ragged-edged blotches and heat pits on the lower labial scales. This species-level record covers the east-coast nominotypical form and the Cape York subspecies Antaresia maculosa peninsularis.
Open identification guideTaxonomy notes
The Reptile Database recognises M. imbricata separately, while some institutional range summaries retain an older broad carpet-python concept. Detailed regional limits need reconciliation.
Sources checked
- Queensland Government — Carpet Python (2026-09-25)
- Museums Victoria — Carpet Python (2026-09-25)
- Reptile Database — Morelia spilota (2026-09-25)
- Australian Museum — Diamond Python (2026-09-25)
- Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board — wild Murray-Darling Carpet Python (2026-09-25)
Still not sure?
Compare this snake with more clues.
A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.