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Glite Dictionary
Morelia spilotes variegatus

Morelia spilotes variegatus

9.9
A kind of Australian snake with a patterned back often called the carpet python
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : Morelia spilotes variegatus
  • The Morelia spilotes variegatus is often called the carpet python due to its intricate patterns.

Examples

  • The Morelia spilotes variegatus is a stunning snake native to Australia.

  • Researchers in Queensland observed the Morelia spilotes variegatus basking on tree branches.

  • Many reptile enthusiasts admire the coloration of the Morelia spilotes variegatus in captivity.

  • Look at that beautiful Morelia spilotes variegatus basking in the sun!

  • Many reptile enthusiasts admire the coloration of the Morelia spilotes variegatus in captivity.

  • Researchers in Queensland observed the Morelia spilotes variegatus basking on tree branches.

  • The Morelia spilotes variegatus is often called the carpet python due to its intricate patterns.

Synonyms

Python variegatus
vsMorelia spilotes variegatus
  • Specialized
9.9

A large snake from northern Australia with many different colored marks on its back

is a more specific subspecies within that species
carpet snake
vsMorelia spilotes variegatus
  • Australian
8.0

A large Australian snake with patterned skin that often lives near farms

is the formal subspecies name used in scientific classification

Surface Forms

Morelia spilotes variegatus singular

Morphology

Morelia + spilotes + variegatus

This is a Latin scientific (binomial) name made of taxonomic epithets rather than ordinary English lexical items; the listed constituents are not common English words a B1 learner would know, and the name functions as a proper noun referring to a species. Even though the epithet 'variegatus' is etymologically related to English 'variegated', the overall meaning (a particular carpet python subspecies) is not compositionally derivable by a typical B1 learner, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Morelia spilotes variegatus is the scientific name for a type of Australian python, and the last word variegatus means 'varied' or 'many-coloured', pointing to the snake's mixed, carpet-like pattern on its back. So the name helps you remember it is the 'carpet python' with a patterned back.