Black Headed Python
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| Aspidites melanocephalus Peters, 1876 |
The Black Headed Python (Aspidites 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]
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[edit] Description
This python grows to a length of 3 m (9 ft), although average specimens are slightly smaller. The head is narrow and is covered in shiny black scales that also extend down the neck and throat for several inches. The body is covered with smooth, glossy scales in shades of black and dark grey, brown, gold and cream arranged in a striped or brindled pattern. This striking pattern gives the snake its name.
The underside of the snake is smooth and light-coloured, flecked with darker spots. There are 50-65 mid body rows and 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 flattened 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).
[edit] Habitat & diet
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. When the python is from the western or desert parts of Australia it is generally a more white and black colour, this may be due to better camouflage and may keep the snake at a more suitable temperature when it hits 50 degrees Celsius. When found in the more tropical conditions of north Queensland it will generally be a more red and orange in colour, which probably provides better camouflage in rainforests. It is often believed that the python of western distribution is smaller although in captivity there have been very big specimens from the western bloodline. These pythons are almost never found in water unlike some carpet pythons. They are strong swimmers but reluctant to bask in water. They are from the desert which probably supports the idea that the python once lived with the Woma before a sub-species branched off forming blackheaded pythons.
[edit] Behaviour
The Black Headed Python will hiss loudly when disturbed but is unlikely to bite unless hunting prey. They will sometimes strike with a closed mouth in defence, but generally can be handled easily. These pythons have been known to sleep for long periods, thus making them appear to be rather lazy. It is also a very curious snake especially during sunrise and sunset and will often follow a warm blooded hand around its enclosure when in captivity.
[edit] Reproduction
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. The young will take small prey as soon as two days after hatching.
The young snakes are vulnerable to predation, and cannibalism is not unknown among the species. Adult Black Headed Pythons don't have any natural predators outside of the dingo and humans.[3]
[edit] In captivity
Their docile nature, 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, but they do command a high price. 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.
[edit] Black Headed Python In Culture
The Black Headed Python is mentioned in, or plays a central role in, the stories of the Indigenous Australians Dreamtime Tradition.
[edit] References
- Melbourne Zoo, Black Headed Python - from archive. Retrieved on 2006-03-17.
- Python Pete, Black Headed Python - from archive. Retrieved on 2006-03-17.
- Australian Pythons (Part 1). Retrieved on 2006-03-20.
