{"product_id":"scrub-python","title":"Merauke Scrub Python","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scrub Python\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMorelia amethistina\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e WC\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5–4m (females typically larger; occasional individuals exceed 4m)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and far north-eastern Australia (Cape York Peninsula)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e A custom-built Viperia PVC vivarium sized to suit — use the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/viperia.co.uk\/pages\/vivarium-calculator\" style=\"color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;\"\u003eVivarium Calculator\u003c\/a\u003e to spec the right dimensions. Adult Scrub Pythons are large, powerful snakes that need substantial floor space combined with meaningful height; a robust setup with a secure locking system is essential, along with sturdy climbing branches, large hides at both the warm and cool ends, and a humid microclimate maintained with a quality substrate such as coconut fibre or orchid bark.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Basking spot 32°C; ambient cool side 24–26°C; ambient warm side 28–30°C; night-time drop to 22–24°C is acceptable and beneficial\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–80%; achieved through a deep moisture-retaining substrate, regular light misting, and a large water vessel — ensure good ventilation to prevent stagnant conditions\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUVB:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 25–35cm from the lamp; whilst Scrub Pythons are largely crepuscular and nocturnal hunters, low-level UVB supports natural vitamin D₃ synthesis and general wellbeing in captivity\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Appropriately sized pre-killed or frozen\/thawed rodents and rabbits; juveniles typically feed every 7–10 days, adults every 14–21 days depending on prey size and the animal's condition — always adjust frequency to maintain a healthy body weight without overfeeding\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eABOUT THIS SPECIES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scrub Python is one of Australia and New Guinea's most impressive large constrictors, found in tropical rainforests, scrubland, and forest edges where warmth and high humidity are a constant. The Merauke locality, originating from the southern lowlands of Indonesian New Guinea, is particularly sought after for its striking iridescent scaling — the species name \u003cem\u003eamethistina\u003c\/em\u003e itself refers to the amethyst-like shimmer that plays across the skin in good light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are bold, intelligent snakes that can become handleable with consistent, calm interaction from a young age, but they grow large and strong, and are best suited to experienced keepers who can confidently manage a substantial python and commit to the long-term care a species of this size demands. If you have the space, the experience, and the passion for truly impressive reptiles, few snakes rival the Scrub Python for sheer presence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viperia","offers":[{"title":"Unsex","offer_id":54783634276689,"sku":"merauke-scrub-python-unsex","price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/6952\/8657\/files\/DSC_0941.jpg?v=1788427269","url":"https:\/\/viperiareptiles.co.uk\/products\/scrub-python","provider":"Viperia Reptiles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}