Papuan Carpet Python (Morelia spilota harrisoni)

Common Name: Carpet Python
Scientific Name: Morelia spilota harrisoni
Source: WC
Adult Size: Typically 150–180cm (5–6.5ft), with females generally larger than males
Native Range: New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua & West Papua)

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×120cm Viperia PVC vivarium — carpet pythons are semi-arboreal (spending time both on the ground and up in the trees), so a tall enclosure with sturdy climbing branches, horizontal perches at varying heights, and at least two secure hides (one at the warm end, one at the cool end) is ideal; a naturalistic substrate such as coco fibre or cypress mulch helps retain the humidity this species requires
Heating: Basking spot of 88–90°F (31–32°C); ambient (background) temperature of 80–85°F (27–29°C) on the warm side, with a cool end of around 75°F (24°C); a gentle night-time drop to 70–75°F (21–24°C) is well tolerated and mirrors natural conditions
Humidity: 50–70% relative humidity; achieved by misting the enclosure once or twice daily, using a moisture-retentive substrate, and ensuring the vivarium has good ventilation to prevent stagnant damp conditions
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask approximately 20–30cm beneath it — while carpet pythons are largely crepuscular (most active around dawn and dusk), low-level UVB supports vitamin D3 synthesis and is considered beneficial best practice for captive pythons
Diet: Appropriately sized defrosted mice or rats — juveniles can be offered prey every 7–10 days, while adults feed well on a meal every 2–3 weeks; prey should be no wider than the widest part of the snake's body

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Papuan Carpet Python is a striking subspecies of carpet python native to the island of New Guinea, where it inhabits a range of environments from coastal lowlands to tropical forest edges. It tends to be slimmer and slightly more gracile in build compared to some of its Australian cousins, with a beautifully intricate pattern of browns, creams, and golds that varies noticeably between individuals — making each animal genuinely unique.

Papuan Carpet Pythons have earned a loyal following among intermediate keepers: they are active, intelligent, and rewarding to work with, though hatchlings can be feisty and benefit from calm, consistent handling to build confidence. They are a fantastic choice for anyone who has already kept a smaller snake and is ready to step up to a more substantial, visually impressive species.