Carpet Python (Bredl’s Hybrid Cross)

Morelia bredli × Morelia spilota
Common Names: Carpet Python, Bredl’s Carpet Python Cross, Centralian Carpet Hybrid

Species Overview

• Size:

  • Pure Bredl’s Pythons (Morelia bredli) typically reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m), with large individuals occasionally exceeding 10 feet.

  • Depending on the other subspecies involved in the cross (e.g., Jungle, Coastal, or Irian Jaya), adult size usually ranges 6–9 feet (1.8–2.7 m), with body build influenced by the non-Bredli parent.

• Appearance:

  • Bredl’s Pythons are known for their reddish-brown to brick tones with irregular darker blotches.

  • In a cross, this colouring may blend with the traits of the other carpet subspecies—producing snakes with unique intermediate colours and patterns that may range from speckled brick-red to banded brown/black.

  • Visual appearance varies greatly, making each cross highly individual.

• Distribution: This is a captive-bred cross between Morelia bredli (Central Australia) and another subspecies of Morelia spilota.

• Habitat (wild counterparts):

  • Bredl’s inhabit arid rocky ranges and open scrublands.

  • Other carpet species (Coastal, Jungle, Irian Jaya, etc.) thrive in forests, woodlands, and savannahs.

  • Crosses do not exist in the wild but inherit the hardiness of both lineages.

• Behaviour: Carpet pythons are semi-arboreal constrictors, feeding on mammals, birds, and reptiles. Hybrids often show the calmer temperament of Bredl’s, though behaviour can vary.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults should be housed in 5–6 ft enclosures, with both climbing opportunities and floor space. Provide sturdy perches, ledges, and secure hides.

• Temperature & Humidity:

  • Basking area: 88–90°F (31–32°C).

  • Ambient gradient: 75–80°F (24–27°C).

  • Humidity: typically 40–60%, with slight increases during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles thrive on hopper mice every 5–7 days; adults should be offered medium to large rats every 10–14 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Hybrids are typically hardy, dependable feeders, often inheriting the docile nature of Bredl’s, making them excellent captives. Juveniles may still be defensive but usually calm with handling.

• Special Considerations: Hybrids should be clearly documented as crosses, as they are not considered pure localities and should not be misrepresented in breeding projects.

Genetics Note

• Hybrid Cross: This animal is a cross between Bredl’s Python (M. bredli) and another carpet subspecies (M. spilota group).

• Breeding Considerations: While hybrids can be visually striking and hardy, they blur locality integrity. Serious breeders often avoid mixing subspecies to preserve pure bloodlines.

• Value in Collections: Hybrids are prized more for their unique looks and pet qualities than for use in pure carpet python breeding projects.

The Carpet Python (Bredl’s Hybrid Cross) combines the brick-red tones and docility of Bredl’s with the patterns and traits of another carpet python subspecies, creating snakes that are both visually unique and hardy in captivity.