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Durban, South Africa
Species group: Boas, Anacondas and Pythons
Other name: Amethystine Python; Amethyst Python; Southern Scrub Python
Scientific name: Morelia amethistina
Range/Habitat: The Scrub Python is native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia. It prefers warm and humid habitats with good water sources, and is found in reainforests, bushland and suburban neighborhoods. As captive-bred Scrub Pythons become available, their popularity is increasing.
Size and Coloration: The Scrub Python can reach lengths as great as 8.5 meters (28 ft), but are more commonly 3-5 meters (10-16 ft). Scrub pythons are large slender snakes with big heads that are distinctly wider than the neck. Morelia amethistina is distinguished by the iridescent upper surface of the body which is usually grey to green or brown with dark markings. They may be patterned with dorsal crossbars and blotches and lateral stripes on the neck, although some individuals are patternless. The belly is pale grey to greenish-grey.
Caging: Scrub Pythons require high humidity. A suitable habitat temperature would be 82-90°F (28-32°C) during the day, and 72-75°F (22-24°C) at night.
Diet: In the wild, Scrub Pythons feed on small mammals and birds. In captivity, they can can be fed mice and rats.