Scales bear a milky iridescent sheen which has given rise to common and scientific names. Ground colour is pale yellowish brown to brown, marked with numerous irregular angular dark brown to black bands, blotches and streaks. Those on anterior body may form elongate streaks, while those on lower flanks often coalesce into one or more broken stripes. All aspects of pattern become obscure on posterior body and tail. A dark streak extends from eye down to corner of mouth.
Juveniles are less glossy than adults, with a weaker pattern.
Lips and ventral surfaces are cream to white. The giant Scrub Pythons of tropical QueensIand are a good example of seasonal shift in habitat use which is probably driven mostly by the snakes thermal requirements. During winter they leave the thick rainforest to bask in open valleys and can sometimes be found in large numbers at that rime. Although I have bred the Amethystine Pythons on several occasions this paper will concentrate on one only breeding because of the extensive data collected and followed through in the raising of the young. The male had been raised from a hatchling and having only been casually fed was approx.