Range

Australia is the native home of the black headed python. They can be found across the north of the country across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Habitat

In these areas they can be found across sclerophyll forests, savanna, shruland, scrubland plains, sparsely vegetated deserts and rocky areas.

They will shelter inside of logs, termite mounds, burrows and under rocks.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from June to July. The eggs develop inside of the mother until October or November when the eggs are laid in a protected place. Around 5 to 10 eggs will be laid around which the mother coils to keep them cool. If it gets too cold she will shiver to keep the eggs warm.

It will take 2 months of incubation for the eggs to hatch. After they emerge from their eggs the hatchlings are independent and are hunting by their second day.

Sexual maturity is achieved between the 4th and 5th year.

Behavior

Black headed pythons are nocturnal. During the day they will rest in a hiding place.

When the black headed python wants to warm up it can stick the black head out of its burrow. This keeps the rest of the body out of harm’s way while they can still warm up. When they wish to cool down they may bury the head.

This species is capable of swimming but this behavior is not often engaged in.

The only species which prey upon adult black headed pythons are dingoes and humans. Juveniles are also cannibalized by adults.

Quick facts

The black headed python is also known as the black headed rock snake and the tarpot due to their head looking like it has been dipped in tar.