Black-headed Python
Aspidites melanocephalus
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyPythonidae (Pythons)
- GenusAspidites (Shield-bearing Pythons)
- SpeciesAspidites melanocephalus (Black-headed Python)
About the Black-headed Python
The black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) is a species of snake in the family Pythonidae (the python family). The species is endemic to Australia. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid. Adults of A. melanocephalus typically grow to 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) in length (including tail), but can grow to a maximum length of 3.5 m (11 ft). The body 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.
The species A. melanocephalus is found in Australia, in the northern half of the country, excluding the very arid regions... Wikipedia →
Closest Relatives at Cape Range
Global Distribution
Where this species is recorded worldwide. Restricted to human observations from 2019 onwards — the same kind of record and the same period the probabilities on this page are built from, so collar-tracking studies, camera-trap arrays and museum specimens are excluded. Around Santa Rosa that removes 5,924 GPS fixes from a handful of tagged jaguars.
where this species is recorded (GBIF density — it tracks where observers go, not how likely a sighting is) · parks where it occurs — tap a pin for the sighting probability there
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Litchfield National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 2 | Cape Range | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 3 | Kakadu National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 4 | Ningaloo Marine Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 5 | Nitmiluk National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 6 | Daintree National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Black-headed Python in Cape Range?
About 20% of wildlife watchers report a Black-headed Python sighting in Cape Range, based on 6 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Black-headed Python in Cape Range?
February has the highest sighting rate for Black-headed Python in Cape Range in our monthly data.