Black-headed Python

Identification and appearance

The glossy black head and neck contrast with a cream-yellow to reddish-brown body crossed by narrow dark brown or black bands. It has a robust body and rounded snout.

Typical length

The WA government guide reports lengths up to 3 m. AROD lists a smaller reported maximum of 2.5 m; neither is used to infer a typical adult interval.

Body build

robust

Head appearance

Black head, neck and throat

Key identification features

• Sharply contrasting black head, neck and throat
• Lighter body with darker bands
• Northern Australian python associated with woodland and rocky or coastal forest

Where it is found

Across much of northern Australia, avoiding the most arid areas; the southern limit reaches the North West Cape and Gladstone area.

Habitat

Lives across northern Australia, extending to the northern desert margins. Burrows provide shelter during the day.

Activity

Usually active at night, although daytime activity is also reported.

Diet

Eats reptiles, birds and mammals, including some venomous snakes.

Reproduction

Oviparous; AROD reports an average clutch size of 8.

Medical significance

Non-venomous, but capable of biting. Keep your distance; if the snake is unidentified and a bite is suspected, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep your distance and leave the snake a clear route away. Do not handle it, chase it for a photograph or attempt to inspect its mouth. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets clear and contact a qualified local snake catcher.

Similar-looking snakes

Photo: Connor Margetts · CC0 1.0 (Licence)

Pythonidae

Woma

Aspidites ramsayi

A large python with a pale yellow- to reddish-brown background and numerous dark bands. Juveniles may show a dark eye patch that often fades with age; the species occupies arid and semi-arid inland Australia.

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