#black-headed python

Black-Headed Python Aspidites melanocephalus 

Todays Snake Is:

The Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus) is a constrictor native to northern Australia. Their unique head and neck coloration is used for thermoregulation, allowing them to warm up more easily without leaving their entire bodies exposed to predators. In the wild, they feed mostly on other reptiles, including venomous snakes. 

The black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) is one of Australia's most beautiful snakes with it's distinctive glossy black head.

Photo credit:

Black-headed Python 

The Black-headed Python, Aspidites melanocephalus (Pythonidae), is an Australian species of python with an average length of 155cm.

These distinctive pythons have a glossy jet black head that ends abruptly just behind the neck. The eyes are also black and the pupils are almost invisible. The body is light brown to dark caramel with dark cross bands along the entire body. The bands are darkest dorsally and fade towards the ventral scales. The belly is light cream speckled with darker spots.

Unlike other pythons, this one lacks heat sensing pits, probably due to a large percentage of their prey being cold blooded.

The scientific name comes from Aspidites, meaning 'shield-bearer', in reference to the large scales on the head; and melanocephalus, meaning 'black head'.

References: [1] - [2]

Photo credit: ©Ryan Francis

Black-headed python

The distinctive Black-headed python, Aspidites melanocephalus (Pythonidae), does indeed have a black head and neck, which contrasts strongly with the brown banding along its body. The banding is light to dark brown or orange-brown on a base that can be creamy white, light brown and occasionally even yellow (as shown in the photo).

It is a large python (up to 250 cm length), endemic to Australia, found in Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.

Etymology: Aspidites means 'shield-bearer', referring to the large scales on the head; and melanocephalus means 'black-headed'.

References: [1] - [2]

Photo credit: ©Jordan Vos

Aspidites melanocephalus

Aspidites translates to shield owner (belonging to), while melanocephalus means black-head.

Family: Pythonidae (Pythons)

Fun Fact: "During cooler temperatures, evidence suggests that when termite nests are present, they tend to burrow into these habitats as a way of maintaining a stable body temperature. When termite mounds were not present, they adopted specific postures and modified their behavior to prevent extreme cooling. The glossy, black head that is characteristic of this species helps regulate body temperature as well, allowing the majority of the snake’s body to remain hidden while it extends only its head from its burrow." (ADW).

Habitat: They are endemic to scrublands, savannas, and forests of the northern 1/3 of Australia (including most of the Northern Territory, northern Queensland, and northern Western Australia).