Black-Headed Python | Aspidites Melanocephalus | Information And Care Sheet
The black-headed python or Aspidites Melanocephalus is found in the non-arid places of Northern Australia.
The Aspidites Melanocephalus thrives in semi-dry, or tropical areas. These non-venomous snakes are fine swimmers. Yet, they are rarely seen in waters. Once threatened, they produce a hissing sound, sometimes striking with their mouths closed. They are mostly found under leaves and rocks, deep soil cracks, or hollow logs.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Aspidites
Scientific Name: Aspidites Melanocephalus
Adult snakes of this kind grow a length of 6 to 9 feet. These muscular snakes usually have a gray, black, tan and cream pattern. The patterns are arranged in stripes. The belly is light colored— usually light yellow. And as the name suggests, its head is black in color. This makes this species easy to recognize.
The Black-headed python has a flattened figure, while its tail gets thinner at the end. They have shiny and smooth scales, which compliments their appearance more.
In terms of feeding, these pythons prefer small mammals and reptiles. Since most of them thrive in the desert, they stay warm for a longer period. This is good for the black-headed python, since food is quickly digested in warm temperature. Besides the desert, these species inhabit shrubby plains, and rocky areas.
Just like most pythons, they kill their prey by strangulation. In the case of the Aspidites Melanocephalus, they coil their prey by positioning a coil or two just ahead of its mouth. This makes the swallowing process easier. The black-headed python has stronger and more powerful jaws than most pythons its size.
The mating season usually takes place in June or in the first weeks of July. During the breeding period, female python guard their eggs until they hatch. The incubation period usually takes 2 to 3 months. They usually have 5 to 11 eggs per clutch. After 2 days, juveniles are ready to feed.
Black-headed pythons can be kept as pets. They are desirable and can be handled easily. However, buying this exotic pet can be costly. A suitable habitat and appropriate feeding should be considered by owners. Specialists advise that owners should prevent feeding their pythons fat rodents. This is because the black-headed python does not endure too much fat stored in their body. If excess fat has been consumed, this could lead to a disease in the heart and liver.
