New Guinea Carpet Python

The New Guinea carpet python inhabits southern lowland regions of New Guinea, spanning both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea. It is often treated taxonomically as the subspecies Morelia spilota harrisoni, part of the broader carpet python complex that also includes numerous Australian forms.

It shares the carpet python's general adaptability and variable pattern, occupying a range of tropical lowland habitats and showing the group's characteristic mix of ambush and active foraging behavior.

• Pattern consists of irregular dark blotches or a broken chain-like pattern on a lighter brown, olive, or tan background
• Large, triangular head distinct from the neck, with heat-sensing labial pits
• Vertically elliptical pupils
• Smooth, glossy scales
• Moderately heavy build typical of the carpet python group
• Pattern and color can vary between individuals across its New Guinea range

Found in lowland tropical forest, savanna woodland, and riverine habitat across southern New Guinea, at low elevations, often near water and in areas bordering agricultural or settled land.

Primarily nocturnal, sheltering by day in tree hollows, dense vegetation, or ground cover. Preys on birds, mammals, and reptiles using both ambush and active hunting strategies, subduing prey by constriction. Oviparous, with females coiling around and thermoregulating egg clutches.