Black Headed Python
(Aspidites melanocephalus)
Distribution
This Australian python lives in North Western Australia grasslands and scrub. It is found in the Northern Territories, Queensland and West Australia. There are currently three subspecies recognized and these are Black Headed Python (
Aspidites melanocephalus melanocephalus), Kimberley Ranges Black Headed Python (
Aspidites melanocephalus adelynensis) and Pilbara Black Headed Python (
Aspidites melanocephalus davieii).
Prior to getting this species research as much as possible and if possible spend time with a current keeper to see if this is the species for you, it is also worth joining your local reptile society/group as they will be able to give you hints and tips (and you may be able to do the same for them).
Size
This species averages between 150cm and 180cm (5 and 6ft) in length although specimens up to 300cm (10ft) have been recorded.
Diet
In the wild this species is known to feed upon rodents and other reptiles. In captivity a diet of appropriately sized rodents is fine.
In order to avoid problems ensure the snake is guaranteed to feed on defrosted prey before purchasing it - the best ones to get by far are well established captives and not wild caught specimens. When feeding your snake it is essential that you either use a feeding box or feed it on substrate that it can not ingest. They should also always be fed using tongs and not by hand.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be thermostatically controlled and guarded reflector (spot) light in green, or red, or ceramic bulbs. Heat mats have also been used to good effect with smaller specimens.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - Many keepers of this species provide an UV light, mainly to give a day/night cycle. One of the better brands is a Reptisun 5.0 UVB light. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking snake. This should be replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Hollow cork bark tubes are perfect for this species.
- Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and good ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. Enclosures measuring 150cm x 60cm x 60cm (5ft x 2ft x 2ft) are adequate.
Temperature
A thermal gradient must be provided with a hot spot that reaches around 30 to 35C (86 to 95F), with the cooler end dropping to around 22C (71.6F).
Humidity and water
The humidity should be maintained at around 60%. A large ceramic/earthenware dog bowl is best for these reptiles as they are harder for them to tip over. This water should be changed daily as this is also the water they drink. A humid hide containing damp sphagnum moss should be provided in order to prevent disecdysis.
Longevity
This species is recorded at living in excess of 20 years if the proper care is given.
NB – It is best to contact DEFRA to see what paperwork is required in order to maintain this species.
Substrate
Bark mulch is a good substrate to use for this species as it facilitates digging by the snake, whilst aiding to maintain the humidity. Ensure that a dry basking area is available in order to prevent ventral scale infections occurring. Large pieces of (Dust free and not pine or cedar) Bark Mulch can be used to good effect as long as the pieces are too large to avoid ingestion during feeding or feed your snake in a separate feeding container. Whatever you choose to use as your substrate, care should always be taken when feeding your snake, incase any substrate is ingested.
NB – Photograph taken from http://www.kingsnake.com/aspidites/
Map taken from http://www.lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Aspidites%20melanocephalus.HTM
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Aspidites_SP_melanocephalus']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
http://www.smuggled.com/pr2.htm
http://www.kingsnake.com/aspidites/
http://www.herpseeker.com/worldspecies/Snakes/boidea/aspidites.htm
http://www.pythonpete.com/info/blackinf.htm
http://www.ukpythons.com/bhp.html
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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