Species

Black-headed python

Aspidites melanocephalus
Category: Category 4
Care Sheets:

Genus: Aspidites
Two large robust spp., unique in lacking heat-sensory pits. Head narrow, not markedly distinct from neck, with head shields enlarged to form symmetrical plates. Eyes with dark irises. Pattern comprises simple bands. Endemic to Australia, from semi-arid to arid interior to subhumid n. Terrestrial, sheltering in soil cracks, abandoned burrows, hollow logs and rock crevices. Diets consist mainly of reptiles, including venomous snakes, but they also eat mammals and birds. this preference for reptiles is cited as a likely reason for the narrow head and the absence of heat-sensory pits.

Aspidites melanocephalus
Very distinctively patterned, with prominent black head, neck and throat. Body and tail cream, brown to reddish brown with numerous dark brown to blackish bands. Palest with sharpest pattern in far w. of range. Dry tropical northern areas, in open woodlands, shrub-lands and outcrops. s. to about North West Cap, WA and Gladstone, Qld. Glossy black head and nape may enable maximum heat absorption while exposing minimum body surface.

Necessities:

Vivarium	Night heat globe
Substrate	Water bowl
Hide rock	Thermostat
thermometer

Black-headed python Gallery

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