A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Morelia spilota mcdowelli
This beautiful carpet python was spotted in the Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia. This large species of python can reach between 2 to 4 metres (6.6 to 13 ft) in length and weigh up to 15 kilograms (33 lb). Check the extra shots and marvel at the whole length of the snake!
Sub-tropical rainforest. Found in Australia in eastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
This python is mostly olive with dark-edged, fawn cross-bands, blotches and stripes. The pattern and colour are variable. Mid-body scales are in 40-60 rows, and head-scales are bead-like and arranged irregularly. The scales along the lower jaw are pitted (this can be seen on shot 1 and 2) and heat-sensitive, and the snake can detect changes in temperature of a fraction of a degree. These help the snake in detecting its warm-bodied preys (possums, flying foxes, birds and unfortunate house pets). Cane toads are fatal to them. This species has an unpredictable behavior and can be aggressive (as in the case of a female protecting her eggs), and can inflict a nasty bite. Notice how the snake is coiled at the head. Ref. Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, 2007. www.qm.qld.gov.au
Spotted on Mar 27, 2012
Submitted on Apr 4, 2012
45 Comments (1–25)
Respect is a good meditation in the bush. I wouldn't want to mess with that python, or any python for that matter. They definitely have right of way.
That's the largest I've ever seen Neil... I walked around with respect! Plenty to eat in Lamington!
Whoa... that is a big python! Beautiful photos, Daniele. Being cautious, I'm usually on the lookout for browns and blacks, not often thinking of pythons. I'll add them to my list... and get a bigger stick, just in case!
Great spotting! Looks like a pretty large specimen.
Thanks Stephen. If not him in person some of his relatives I hope!
This is a beautiful snake Daniele. I hope it is there when you visit again!
Thanks Dez! What was thrilling about this one was its size and the fact that ta was found is such a pristine environment.
We have not come across a snake in the wild yet, only brown house snakes in our garden - meals for our local Fiscal family. We only found a Puff adder that escaped its enclosure at a reptile park - but was still behind glass. Either way, and encounter in the wild must be thrilling!
Thanks Dez! This has been my most memorable encounter this year so far!
Great find!
Thank you LD50 Photography. They can reach an impressive size:-) Welcome to Project Noah.
Carpets are some of my favorite snakes. Very cool shots!
Thank you JoshuaAsel!
DUDE!! thats totally awesome :D
Thanks Stian! Spotted not so far from the cute pademelons, and I bet he's had a few of those for lunch in the past...
Wow, great pictures..
Thanks Neil!
Awesome!
Thanks Karen!
Great series Daniele!
Thank you Dan and Gordon! These shots were actually hard and have a bit bit too much noise to my liking as result of boosting the ISO. It's very dark in the rainforest even in the middle of the day... We called him Bruce by the way :-)
Great series!
Awesome spot! Looks huge! I agree with Ashish about the second pic.
Thanks Scott and Ashish!
I think second picture is very striking.. need to put on front...