Aspidites ramsayi (Macleay, 1882)

Typical Adult Length

Description: Adult Aspidites ramsayi typically reach a total length (including the tail) of around 1.5 m (4.5 feet).

Head and Body Morphology

This species has a narrow head, small eyes, a broad and somewhat flattened body, and a tail that tapers to a thin point.

Scale Counts and Characteristics

Its dorsal scales are small and smooth, arranged in 50–65 rows at midbody. There are 280–315 ventral scales, an undivided anal plate, and 40–45 mostly single subcaudal scales; some of the posterior subcaudals may be irregularly divided.

Dorsal Color and Pattern

Dorsal color ranges from pale brown to nearly black. The overall ground color of the pattern can vary from medium brown and olive to lighter shades of orange, pink, and red, overlaid with darker striped or brindled markings.

Ventral and Head Coloration

The belly is cream or light yellow with brown and pink blotches. The scales surrounding the eyes are usually darker than the rest of the head.

Maximum Recorded Length

The maximum recorded total length for A. ramsayi is 2.3 m (7.5 ft), with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 2.0 m (6.6 ft).

Sensory Organ Trait

Snakes of the genus Aspidites do not have the heat-sensing pits that all other pythons possess.

Similar Species Comparison

A. ramsayi looks similar to A. melanocephalus, but it does not have a clearly defined neck. Its coloration, or people’s motivation to find it, can lead to confusion with the venomous Pseudonaja nuchalis, commonly called the gwardar.

Overall Distribution Range

Distribution and habitat: Aspidites ramsayi inhabits western and central Australia, spanning from Western Australia through southern Northern Territory and northern South Australia to southern Queensland and northwestern New South Wales. Its range may be discontinuous.

Type Locality

The species’ type locality is “near Forte Bourke”, New South Wales, Australia.

Southwest Australia Range Details

In Southwest Australia, its range extends from Shark Bay along the coast and into inland regions, and it was previously common on sandplains. The species has been recorded in regions further south and east, and once held extensive populations in the wheatbelt and goldfield areas.

Reproduction Type and Clutch Size

Reproduction: Aspidites ramsayi is oviparous, producing clutches of five to 20 eggs.

Incubation Details

Females stay coiled around their eggs until they hatch, and the incubation period lasts 2–3 months.

Mature Female Clutch Average

An adult female around 4–5 years old and 1.5 m (about 5 ft) in total length usually lays roughly 11 eggs.