Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my share of colubrids over the years, and have been eyeing the genus morelia as a way to step up for a long time. I've had some difficulty deciding exactly what species/subspecies I want.

Size and potential coloration are my most pertinant deciding factors.

I'd really like something in the 6-9 foot range, preferably on the larger end of that spectrum.

Color, and the variable nature thereof makes the decision hard. The stunning jungle carpets out there make me lean toward a jcp, but purchasing a baby is such guesswork I'm a little apprehensive. Plus, they're not as large as I'd like.

I've seen some coastals I thought were really beautiful too. And I do have a better chance of getting the size I want with a coastal. However, once again, I don't know how much a baby coastal will color up.

There's alot of caresheets online for the individual species, however, I haven't been able to find too much on Diamond X Jungle Carpet hybrids. I've seen some really gorgeous hybrids, but all the ones I've seen are beautiful. I've yet to see an unattractive hybrid. (whereas I've seen some rather unimpressive jcp's and coastals)

So although a large female, top notch colored jcp would be my first choice... from what I've gathered a diamond X jungle might be better suited to my desires.

To the specific questions:

What is the expected size of a female diamond X jungle cross?

I've read that many diamond keepers use UV lighting with Diamond pythons because it may or may not be nessacery - is it good measure to use with crosses?

Are the diamond x jungle crosses as variable as other carpet pythons in color? Can you tell from a hatchling how much coloration the adult may or may not have?

If I were to get a Diamond X Jungle I would look for a Python Pete line 75% Diamond x Jungle. Those tend to be the nicest.

>>>>>What is the expected size of a female diamond X jungle cross?

A 75% Diamond x Jungle will be close to a Diamond in size

>>>>>I've read that many diamond keepers use UV lighting with Diamond pythons because it may or may not be nessacery - is it good measure to use with crosses?

I'm sure that it won't hurt them. I haven't used it on my Diamonds though some people swear by it. Some also recommend supplemental Calcium. I will probably do that over the year prior to breeding, but only with the females.

>>>>>Are the diamond x jungle crosses as variable as other carpet pythons in color? Can you tell from a hatchling how much coloration the adult may or may not have?

Yes and no. Most of the 75% Diamond x Jungles that I have seen look a lot like Diamonds with perhaps somewhat bigger rosettes. If you buy from a reputable breeder who is using Python Pete stock as his breeding animals you will have a good idea of what the adults will look like by looking at the parents. They are hard to judge as hatchlings and are often "ugly ducklings" for the first year or so before becoming amazingly beautiful.

There should be quite a number of them hatching over the next two to three months. Good luck with your selection.
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Jim

Thank you very much for your reply. It looks like a diamond cross may very well be the right snake for me, atleast right now. I'll probably end up getting a jcp or 2 down the road as well, lol.

That's great. Just be aware that there are some "purists" who do not like crosses and will tell you so. Don't be dissuaded if YOU like them. I like nice snakes myself, be they crosses or "pure" forms, so long as they are accurately represented.

Good luck with your selection and purchase!
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Jim

Thank you of mentioning that fact.

I think they're lovely snakes, and I honestly think I may like the crosses better than pure diamonds aesthetically.

I do think its vital to reperesent hybrids properly, but as long as the pure lines are being kept as well - I don't see any reason why one shouldn't have hybrids in captivity.