Black headed python
| Aspidites melanocephalus | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Boidae |
| Genus: | Aspidites |
| Species: | A. melanocephalus |
| Binomial name | |
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Aspidites melanocephalus (Krefft, 1864) |
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| Distribution of the black-headed python | |
| Synonyms | |
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Aspidites melanocephalus, commonly known as the black-headed python, is a species of snake in the family Pythonidae (the python family). The species is native to Australia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Adults grow to an average of 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft)in total length, but can grow to a maximum total length of 3.5 m (11 ft). The body is muscular with a flattened profile, while the tail tapers to a thin point.
The top of the head is covered by large symmetrical scales. The dorsal scales, which are smooth and glossy, number 50-65 rows at midbody, while there are 315-355 ventral scales. The tail has 60-75 mainly single subcaudal scales and the anal scale is single. The posterior subcaudals tend to be divided, often irregularly.
The color pattern consists of shades of black, dark grey, brown, gold, and cream arranged in a striped or brindled pattern. The belly is light-coloured, flecked with darker spots. The head is shiny black that also extends down the neck and throat for several inches.
Found in Australia in the northern half of the country, excluding the very arid regions. The type locality given is "Port Denison Bowen" Queensland, Australia. Occurs in humid tropical to semi-arid conditions.
These snakes are terrestrial and are often found in amongst rocks and loose debris. If disturbed, they will hiss loudly, but are unlikely to bite unless hunting prey. They will sometimes strike with a closed mouth, but generally can be handled easily. They are strong swimmers, but are almost never found inside water. They are non-venomous.
The diet consists of mainly reptiles, including snakes, but they will eat mammals if available. Because black-headed pythons live in the desert, they heat up a lot quicker and stay warmer for longer. This means they can eat more because they digest food quicker in warmer conditions. When ingesting large prey this species positions one or two coils just ahead of its distended mouth and by constriction makes the task of swallowing easier.
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Wikipedia