AROD > Reptiles / Squamata / Pythonidae / Morelia
Carpet pythons & relatives
Morelia
- Gray, 1842
Pronunciation: | more-AY-lee-ah | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Etymology: | unknown, but possibly after the town in Mexico. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxonomic notes: |
Previously, most Australian pythons were placed in this genus. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes: | This genus features Australia's best-known python species, the carpet python (Morelia spilota), as well as two of Australia's most arcane and enigmatic snake species: the rough-scaled python (Morelia carinata) and the Morelia oenpelliensis. It also features one of the pythons most desired in the pet trade, the green python (Morelia viridis), as well as Australia's longest snake, the Morelia kinghorni. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statistics: |
Reproductive modes:
Oviparous - 4 out of 4 Australian species Size range: Smallest Australian species: green python (Morelia viridis) at 120 cm Longest Australian species: carpet python (Morelia spilota) at up to 240 cm |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Australian species: | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
- Wilson, D.; Heinsohn, R.; & Wood, J. (2006). Life-history traits and ontogenetic colour change in an arboreal tropical python, Morelia viridis. Journal of Zoology, 270(3):399-407.