Alice Springs Reptile Centre
The Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus) is native to Australia and is found in the northern part of Australia, but not found in the very arid regions.
Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus), Alice Springs Reptile Centre
Most reptiles raise their body temperature by basking in the sun. The distinctive black colouring of this python’s head is probably a further refinement in temperature control. From the comparative safety of a rock ledge, the snake can raise it’s body temperature by exposing only the head to sunlight. The brain heats quickly and the warmed blood is circulated through the body.
Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus) 
Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus)
Quick Link
ASRC | Australian Green Tree Frog | Australian Saltwater Crocodile | Black Headed Goanna | Black-headed Python | Central Carpet Python | Central Netted Dragon | Centralian Blue Tongue | Coastal Taipan | Collett’s Snake | Eastern Brown Snake | Frilled Neck Lizard | Gidgee Skink | Inland / Central Bearded Dragon | Mulga / King Snake | Northern Giant Cave Gecko | Spencer’s Goanna | Thorny Devil | Western Brown Snake
- Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
- Family: Pythonidae
- Genus: Aspidites
- Species: A. melanocephalus
- Binomial name: Aspidites melanocephalus