Black headed Python Snake

Facts about Black-headed Python snake. "Scientific name for Black-headed Python snake is Aspidites melanocephalus". Black headed Python is an Aspidites type of snake that comes from the Pythonidae family. The Black-headed Python snakes hail from Australia, and currently, no subspecies are recognized in the family. They are largely found in Australia in the northern parts of the country, exclusive of the extremely dry regions. The Black-headed Python snakes prefer homes in moist tropical to semi-dry areas. During warmer weather conditions, the Black-headed Python is nocturnal, whereas in the cooler months it is dominantly diurnal.

Features of Black-headed Python snake

The Black-headed Python is a nontoxic, lengthy snake that attains a maximum length, ranging from 5 feet to 8 feet 6 inches (12.7 to 21.5 cm) when mature. The Black-headed Python snakes have a muscular body with a compacted profile, whereas their tail tapers to a slender point.

As the name suggests, the Black-headed Python snakes have a glossy, black color head, and extends along the throat and neck for several inches (centimeters). The top of their head is covered by big symmetrical scales. The Black-headed Python snake have 50 to 65 rows of smooth and shiny dorsal scales, at the middle part of their body, whereas there are 315 to 355 ventral scales. The tail of the Black-headed Python snakes has 60 to 75 mostly single sub-caudal scales and their anal scale is solitary. Their posterior subcaudals are inclined to be divided, habitually unevenly.

The color pattern of the Black-headed Python consists of shades of dark grey, black, brown, cream and gold, arranged in a brindled or striped pattern. The stomach of the snake is light-colored, speckled with darker marks.

Diet of Black-headed Python snake

The Black-headed Python mainly feeds on reptiles, but it will also feed on mammals if accessible. As the Black-headed Python snakes inhabit the desert, they get their body heated quickly and continue warmer for a longer period. Due to this feature, the Black-headed Python snake used to consume more because they are capable of getting their food digested quickly in warmer conditions. When feeding on big prey, these snakes positions a few coils just prior to its swollen mouth and by constriction makes the job of swallowing the prey easier.

Behavior of Black-headed Python snake

The Black-headed Python is a terrestrial, non-venomous snake, and it is often found among rocks and loose garbage. If the Black-headed Python snakes are disturbed, they will hiss noisily, but they do not bite except hunting the prey. Occasionally, the Black-headed Python snakes will strike through a closed mouth, but usually they can be handled effortlessly. These snake varieties are strong swimmers, but they are virtually never found in water.

Reproduction of Black-headed Python snake

Earlier than breeding, the male Black-headed Python occasionally engages in fight displays, and may bite other male snakes. The female Black-headed Python is oviparous and it lays 5 to 10 eggs in each clutch. The female snakes continue to coil about the eggs and protect them pending they hatch, which typically takes after 2 to 3 months. The juveniles will capture small prey after two days of their birth, but they are susceptible to predation, as well as cannibalism. The newborn pythons mature gradually, and they attain the sexual maturity after four to five years of their birth. Usually, adult Black-headed Python snakes have no predators other than humans and Dingos.

The average lifespan of the Black-headed Python ranges from 20 years to 30 years.