DWS - Animal Facts - Black-headed Python

Dreamtime Wildlife Sanctuary
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Black-headed Python

The Black-headed Python is unique in the Python world because of its black head. It is also unique in the way that its head is used. When snakes (and other reptiles) need to warm themselves, they need to lay in the sun. This can be dangerous, as the animal is exposed to predators, such as birds. The Black-headed Python can leave its body hidden amongst rocks or logs and just expose its shiny black head to the Sun. Dark colours warm up much quicker than light colours, so the small black head can heat up the animal's entire body. Occasionally, when the Summer temperatures get really high, these snakes will bury their head in the sand - when the blood cools in their head the animal is able to cool their body.

The Black-headed Python is also very unusual with its preferred food. Unlike other pythons, the Black-headed Python feeds on a variety of reptiles, including venomous snakes, but they will also feed on warm blooded animals when they get the chance. Because Black-headed Pythons like to feed on reptiles, they don't have the heat pits that other pythons have.

Fast Facts

Name:

Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus)

Type:

Python - non-venomous snake

Size:

Up to 3 metres

Distribution:

Northern Australia

Habitat:

From humid coastal forests to the arid interior

Food:

Small mammals, birds, and reptiles (including venomous snakes)

The pattern on the python's body blends in with the shadows at night time, helping to break up the body line when the animal is hunting in the moon light.

Like all pythons, the Black-headed Python isn't venomous. They kill their prey by coiling around it and suffocating it.

All female pythons are egg layers (usually laying no more than 10 eggs). The mother will stay with her eggs, coiled around them and caring for them until hatching.

The Black-headed Python can grow up to three metres in length.

Meet Rocky!
These are pictures of Rocky, one of our Black-headed Pythons. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger picture.