Black Headed Python: Encyclopedia - Black Headed Python

Black Headed Python

The Black Headed Python (Apidites melanocephalus) is a constrictor snake found in the Northern Territory and Queensland of Australia.[1]

The taxonomical reference melanocephalus (Lat. "black headed") ("aspidites" translates as "shield bearer") relates to certain features of the snakes head.[2]

This python grows to a length of 3m (9ft), although average specimens are slightly smaller. The head is narrow and is covered in shiny black scales which also extend down the neck and throat for several inches. The body is covered with smooth, glossy scales in shades of black and dark gray, brown, gold and cream arranged in a striped or brindled pattern. This striking pattern gives the snake its obvious name.

The underside of the snake is smooth and light coulored, flecked with darker spots. There are 50-65 mid body rows amd 315-355 ventral scales. The tail will have 60-75 mainly single subcaudals and a single anal. The posterior subcaudals tend to be divided, often irregularly.

This snake has a thick, muscular body in a flattend profile and the tail tapers to a thin point. The head is narrow with small eyes that have round pupils. The labial or lip scales of this snake lack the heat seeking pits found in most other pythons.

The Black Headed Python has two large symmetrical shield-shaped scales on the top of the snakes head, a feature shared with its closest relative, the Woma (Aspidites ramsayi).

This snake can be found in humid tropical to semi-arid conditions in the north-eastern part of Australia. It is a terrestrial snake and often found in amongst rocks and loose debris.

These snakes are fairly common throughout their range. Feeding on rats, mice, birds and other reptiles like the monitor lizards that share their habitat. The Black Headed Python will also eat other snakes including venomous species. They are known to have a rapid metabolism and when they are allowed to bask in warm temperatures they will feed often.

The female Black Headed Python will lay a clutch of 5-10 eggs and stay with them till they hatch, usually 2 to 3 months after laying. The female will move and vibrate noticeably as she is coiled around the eggs, and this is thought to warm them.[3] The young will take small prey as soon as two days after hatching.

The young snakes are vunerable to predation, and canabalism is not unknown among the species. Adult Black Headed Pythons don't have any natural predators outside of the dingo and humans. [4]

The Black Headed Python will hiss loudly when disturbed but is unlikely to bite unless hunting prey. They will strike with a closed mouth in defense, but generally can be handled easily. This combined with their striking colouration and pattern make them very desirable as exotic pets. The snake is bred in captivity for the pet trade and can be relatively easily obtained as a captive bred specimen. These can be muscular snakes that reach a fairly substantial size and an owner would be prudent to consider the species' enclosure, temperature and feeding requirements.

Category: Pythons

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Black Headed Python", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki