Aspidites melanocephalus

Taxobox
name = "Aspidites melanocephalus"

---

regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
subphylum = Vertebrata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Serpentes
familia = Pythonidae
genus = "Aspidites"
species = "A. melanocephalus"
binomial = "Aspidites melanocephalus"
binomial_authority = (Krefft, 1864)
synonyms = * "Aspidiotes melanocephalus" - Krefft, 1864
* "Aspidites melanocephalus" - Boulenger, 1893
* "Aspidites melanocephalus melanocephalus" - Loveridge, 1934
* "Aspidites melanocephalus melanocephalus" - Stull, 1935
* "Aspidites melanocephalus" - Cogger, Cameron & Cogger, 1983McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).]

:"Common names: black-headed python.Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.] ""Aspidites melanocephalus" is a non-venomous python species found in Australia. No subspecies are currently recognized.ITIS|ID=634769|taxon="Aspidites melanocephalus"|year=2007|date=19 September]

Taxonomic nomenclature

The taxonomic reference ("Gr." "Aspidites" "shield bearer" melanocephalus" "Black-headed") relates to the two large shield shaped scales on the top of the snakes head and the dark scales of the head and neck.

Description

Adults grow to an average of 5 to 8.25 ft (1.5 to 2.5 m) in length,Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. Dorling Kindersley. 624 pp. ISBN 0-7894-7764-5.] but can grow to a maximum length of 3 m (9 ft), although average specimens are slightly smaller. The body is muscular with a flattened profile, while the tail tapers to a thin point.

The dorsal scales, which are smooth and glossy, number 50-65 rows at midbody, while there are 315-355 ventral scales. 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 patter consists of shades of black and dark grey, brown, gold and cream arranged in a striped or brindled pattern. The belly light-coloured, flecked with darker spots. The head is covered in shiny black scales that also extend down the neck and throat for several inches.

Geographic range

Found in Australia in the northern half of the country, excluding the very arid regions. The type locality given is "Port Denison [Bowen] " [Queensland, Australia] .

Habitat

Occurs in humid tropical to semi-arid conditions.

Behavior

These snakes are terrestrial and are often found in amongst rocks and loose debris. If disturbed, they will hiss loudly, but are unlikely to bite unless hunting prey. They will sometimes strike with a closed mouth, but generally can be handled easily. They are strong swimmers, but are almost never found in water.

Feeding

The diet consists of rats, mice, birds and other reptiles, such as the monitor lizards that share their habitat and other snakes, including venomous species. They are known to have a rapid metabolism and will feed often when able to bask in warm temperatures.

Reproduction

Oviparous, with 5-10 eggs per clutch. The females stay coiled about the eggs and incubate them until they hatch, which is usually after 2-3 months. The young will take small prey as soon as two days after hatching. Immature individuals are vulnerable to predation, including cannibalism. Adults have no natural predators other than dingos and humans.

Captivity

Due to its docile nature and striking color pattern, this species has become very desirable as an exotic pet. It is bred in captivity and can be relatively easily obtained, but does command a high price. As they can be muscular snakes and reach a fairly substantial size, prospective owners should consider a suitable enclosure, as well as temperature and feeding requirements.

In human culture

These snakes are mentioned in, or plays a central role in, the stories of the Indigenous Australians Dreamtime tradition.

ee also

* List of pythonid species and subspecies.
*.
*.

References

External links

*
* [http://www.wardamanwomensbusiness.com/wwbcstory.html The Creation Story of the Wardaman People] at [http://www.wardamanwomensbusiness.com/ Renewing Women's Business] . Accessed 19 September 2007.
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20060821085552/http://zoo.org.au/animal_page.cfm?area_id=25&zoo_id=1&animal_id=111 Black-Headed Python] at [http://web.archive.org/web/20060819161012/zoo.org.au/ Zoos Victoria] . Accessed 19 September 2007.
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20060328005002/http://www.pythonpete.com/info/blackinf.htm "Aspidites melanocephalus"] at [http://web.archive.org/web/20060427131947/www.pythonpete.com/index.htm/index.html#Python Pete Python Pete Reptiles] . Accessed 19 September 2007.