Ophiophagy

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Originally Posted by Ax01

wicked snakes! those Black Head Pythons look like some sinister Woma's. how are they to handle? my judging them by looks, they look bitey and blood thirsty. lol :twisted:

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Originally Posted by John1982

They do seem to go through a crazy "get in my belly" stage where handling can be a little dicey. My older female grew out of it by her second year, still waiting on the younger male. Their food response is nothing short of insane so you always need to watch your butt on feeding days. Mine aren't in the least bit defensive and handle very easily. If you pay attention to their body language, you shouldn't lose blood. They almost always nose prod a couple times before chomping so if I get poked I simply direct their head elsewhere. They also seem to have a trigger spot dorsally, just behind the head, where if you apply a bit of pressure they shoot around and try to grab you. Maybe it's an adaptation for picking off prey that treads too close while they're basking with just their heads above ground? With frequent sessions I don't doubt they would "outgrow" these habits but I truly enjoy our interactions as they stand so I keep handling interactions to a minimum.

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it's also good to know there are other ophiophagical (?) options out there besides Kings and Milks esp. wicked looking ones like Aspidites Melanocephalus. :)

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Originally Posted by Ax01

it's also good to know there are other ophiophagical (?) options out there besides Kings and Milks esp. wicked looking ones like Aspidites Melanocephalus. :)

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Drymarchon and Clelia are a couple more genera full of snake eaters. The indigos/cribos are interesting in that they don't constrict but simply chomp their prey, or slam it around to stun, before swallowing. These have one of the gnarlier bites in the snake world that can actually dismember prey. Mussurana subdue with a double threat - venom and constriction.

seems like the big mean ones can break an arm! a Black Head, Woma and a pair of Carpet Pythons were just stolen from a reptile shop in Australia: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ile-store.html