Black-Headed Python
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Aspidites melanocephalus or the Black-Headed Python
The stunning black head of this animal is its most valuable asset. A black-headed python is able to warm its entire body by exposing only its head to the sun. As the blood heats up it is quickly shunted to the rest of the animal hidden under rocks or logs. The Black-headed python also uses its head as a shovel, digging under rocks and venturing into small burrows to find food. A major part of this animal's diet is made up of reptiles. It is thought that because of these two factors the black-headed python has evolved without heat pits, which can be found on all other Australian pythons, except the closely related woma python.
Unlike most other reptiles the black-headed python consumes a wide range of venomous snakes. It is not understood how the bites of these animals do not affect this particular python. The bands on their body help them blend into the shadows when venturing out for food.
The black-headed python is found in the arid parts of Australia, from the Tropic of Capricorn through to Rockhampton and North across Australia.
Did you know...
- A black-headed python is able to warm its entire body by exposing only its head to the sun. As the blood heats up it is quickly shunted to the rest of the animal hidden under rocks or logs.
- The bands on their body help them blend into the shadows when venturing out for food.
- Unlike most other reptiles, the black-headed python consumes a wide range of venomous snakes. It is not understood how the bites of these animals do not affect this particular python.
- The black-headed python is found in the arid parts of Australia, from the Tropic of Capricorn through to Rockhampton and North across Australia.
Where to find the Black-Headed Python in Australia:
