Diamond Pythons are somewhat distinctive large black coloured snakes with cream to yellow markings.
Sometimes the markings and colouring is quite spectacular (my own specimens have some beautiful small 'Rosette' like markings).
DP's can found in bushland areas and national parks of Sydney and the along the NSW coast (Gosford is renowned for them).
They often go undetected because of their nocturnal, slow-moving habits. During the day they might be seen basking in trees and on occasion frequent houses in the roofs and rafters.
Having a Diamond Python in your roof will not cause any damage, it could well help control mice, rats and maybe even possums.
Diamond Pythons (like all pythons) kill their prey by wrapping around it and suffocating it.
The female will lay her eggs and then coil around them to protect them and warm them.
Maternal care such as this is uncommon in snakes and ceases once the eggs hatch.
Sadly the Diamond Python is no longer as widespread in Sydney as it was and although it is not considered to be endangered it is under great pressure from habitat destruction as the urban expanse spreads wider.
Habitat:
Urban areas, forests and woodlands, heath.
Distribution:
Morelia Spilota Spilota can be found along the south-east coast of New South Wales from the Victorian border to just north of the Hunter Valley.
Status:
Common
Size:
2-3 m.
Bite:
Although non-venomous it can inflict a painful bite. Sometimes the teeth break off and remain embedded within the wound.
