Black-Headed Python
Aspidites melanocephalus
Aspidites translates to shield owner (belonging to), while melanocephalus means black-head.
Family: Pythonidae (Pythons)
Fun Fact: "During cooler temperatures, evidence suggests that when termite nests are present, they tend to burrow into these habitats as a way of maintaining a stable body temperature. When termite mounds were not present, they adopted specific postures and modified their behavior to prevent extreme cooling. The glossy, black head that is characteristic of this species helps regulate body temperature as well, allowing the majority of the snake’s body to remain hidden while it extends only its head from its burrow." (ADW).
Habitat: They are endemic to scrublands, savannas, and forests of the northern 1/3 of Australia (including most of the Northern Territory, northern Queensland, and northern Western Australia).
Ecosystem Role: They help control populations of bearded dragons, skinks, geckos, perenties, smaller snakes, legless lizards, and occasionally mammals and birds. They are preyed upon mostly by humans and dingos.