Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus)

Short answers

Black-headed python: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 300×150×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, woma and black-headed python); ground-oriented, height less important.

Black-headed python: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 32–36 °C (prefers floor heat), at night 22–24 °C.

Black-headed python: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, low UVB recommended.

Black-headed python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

Black-headed python: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

32–36 °C (prefers floor heat)

Humidity

40–60 % (rather dry, mist occasionally)

UVB

UVB not essential, low UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 300×150×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, woma and black-headed python); ground-oriented, height less important

Substrate

Aspen shavings or absorbent digging substrate; they like to dig

Feeding

Food

Rodents (mice or rats); reptile-eating in the wild, rodents in captivity

Feeding interval

adults 1× every 10–14 days, juveniles 1× every 7 days

Key facts

Adult size

usually 150–200 cm, not uncommonly over 250 cm, exceptionally up to 350 cm

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

Northern Australia (arid to tropical zones)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – registration required, proof of origin. An Australian export ban → only captive-bred animals in the trade.

Brumation

None as such; a slight winter night-time drop or shorter photoperiod to stimulate breeding

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – solitary and ophiophagous (it eats reptiles and snakes) → a risk of cannibalism; put them together only briefly for supervised breeding

Notes

Almost purely ground-living; it thermoregulates via floor heat (a heat mat or cable rather than a strong spot lamp). Robust and usually calm, but in need of warmth – keep the temperature exactly.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) – Intermediate
• Amethystine python (Simalia amethistina) – Intermediate to expert
• Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
• Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni) – Intermediate
• Boelen's python (Simalia boeleni) – Expert
• Burmese python (Python bivittatus) – Expert
• Indian python (Python molurus) – Expert
• Ball python (Python regius) – Beginner to intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 300×150×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, woma and black-headed python); ground-oriented, height less important), substrate (Aspen shavings or absorbent digging substrate; they like to dig), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.