The Black-Headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus) is an Australian snake. It is a non-venomous reptile.
The Black-Headed Python has a long, smooth, glossy, flattened body. Its tail tapers to a point. Its head is black and shiny. Its body can be black, dark-grey, brown, goldish or cream. It has striped patterns on its body. Its belly is light-coloured with darker spots.
Black-Heaed Python
It measures about 200 centimetres (79 inches) long.
The Black-Headed Python is native to northern Australia. It prefers the tropical rainforests, and not the dry inland regions, although it can be found in semi-arid areas.
It is terrestrial, preferring to live along the ground, and not in trees. It prefers to hide among rocks and leaf litter. The Black-Headed Python can swim, but is rarely found in water.
It is non-venomous.
The Black-Headed Python eats reptiles, such as other snakes, as well as small mammals.
It is oviparous, meaning that it lays eggs. Females lay 5-10 eggs, which she incubates until they hatch 2-3 months later. The young, called snakelets, are independent soon after hatching.
Black-Heaed Python
Black-Heaed Python
Black-Heaed Python
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM