Morelia spilota
Diamond python (Morelia spilota )
The diamond python (Morelia spilota ) is a species of snake in the family of pythons ( Pythonidae ).
This large member of the genus Morelia occurs in its wide distribution area of Australia and New Guinea in many color variations. He is very adaptable and is active at night but also diurnal. Frequently it is found near human habitations, where he makes himself useful as a destroyer of rats and mice.
Features
Most subspecies exhibit consisting of bright and dark bands or complex networks drawing on brown, reddish brown or gray ground. All variations have a triangular head, which clearly stands out from the neck and is covered with many small scales. The scales of the mouth edges bear a striking series of pit organs; the eyes are moderately large and have vertical pupils.
Subspecies
According to Henderson and Powell subspecies are currently six recognized:
- Morelia spilota spilota
- M. s cheynei
- M. s mcdowelli
- M. s metcalfei
- M. s imbricata
- M. s variegata