Scrub Python
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Morelia kinghorni or the Scrub Python
Also known as the Amethyst or Amethystine Python, the Scrub Python is probably the largest species of snake in Australia. Specimens up to 8.5 metres long have been reported, but 5 metres is a more average length. They are found in tropical lowlands, slopes and tablelands with rainforests and vine thickets. Scrub Pythons rest in tree hollows and forks, under fallen logs on the forest floor, and in cracks and crevices among rocks.
The Scrub Python eats mammals and birds. Because of their large size they are able to take large prey, including wallabies and tree kangaroos.
After mating the female will stop eating, and often bask with her belly facing up towards the sun. When ready, she'll lay up to about 19 eggs and then coil around them. If the eggs get too cold she can shiver to raise their temperature.
As with most pythons, the Scrub Python has a row of heat pits on their lower jaw. These are able to detect very small changes in temperature, enabling the python to find warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness. These heat pits complement the snake's forked tongue, and make up for their less-than-perfect vision.
Did you know...
- The scrub python is probably the largest species of snake in Australia. Specimens up to 8.5 metres long have been reported, but 5 metres is a more average length.
- Because of their large size they are able to take large prey, including wallabies and tree kangaroos. Scrub pythons are also known as the amethyst or amethystine python.
- After mating the female will stop eating, and often bask with her belly facing up towards the sun.
- Scrub python has a row of heat pits on their lower jaw. These are able to detect very small changes in temperature, enabling the python to find warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness.
Where the Scrub Python dwells in Australia:
