The Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus ) is a species of non-venomous snake in the Pythonidae (the python family). Being naturally non-venomous, these snakes must constrict their prey to suffocate it prior to consumption.
The body of the Black-headed python is muscular with a flattened profile, while the tail tapers to a thin point. The top of the head is covered by large, symmetrical scales. The dorsal scales, which are smooth and glossy, number 50-65 rows at midbody, while 315-355 ventral scales occur. The tail has 60-75 mainly single subcaudal scales and the anal scale is single. The posterior subcaudals tend to be divided, often irregularly.
The color pattern consists of shades of black, dark grey, brown, gold, and cream arranged in a banded or brindled pattern. The belly is light-colored, flecked with darker spots. The head is shiny black that also extends down the neck and throat for several inches.
Black-headed pythons are found in the northern half of Australia, excluding the very arid regions. They live in humid tropical forests, seasonally dry woodlands, shrublands, savannas, grasslands, and peripheral desert regions.
Black-headed pythons are ground-dwelling creatures and are often found amongst rocks and loose debris. If disturbed, they hiss loudly but are unlikely to bite unless hunting prey. They sometimes strike with a closed mouth, but generally can be handled easily. These pythons are strong swimmers, but they almost never spend time in the water. To cool themselves, they may bury their dark head in the sand. Black-headed pythons are nocturnal and spend their time single. Because they live in the tropics, they heat up quicker and stay warmer for longer. This means they can eat more because they digest food quicker in warmer conditions. When ingesting large prey, Black-headed pythons position one or two coils just ahead of their distended mouths and by constriction make the task of swallowing prey easier.
Black-headed pythons are carnivores. They prey mainly on reptiles, including snakes but will also eat mammals if available.
Black-headed pythons are serially monogamous, meaning they form pairs only for one breeding season. The breeding season usually takes place between October and November. These snakes are oviparous and adult females lay 5 to 10 eggs per clutch. The females stay coiled about the eggs and incubate them until they hatch, which usually takes 2 to 3 months. The young are fully developed when they hatch and take small prey as soon as they are 2 days old.
There are no major threats to the Black-headed python at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Black-headed python is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today remain stable.
