Woma python

The generic name, Aspidites, translates to "shield bearer" in reference to the symmetrically shaped head scales.

The pattern consists of a ground color that varies from medium brown and olive to lighter shades of orange, pink, and red, overlaid with darker striped or brindled markings.

[2] The range in Southwest Australia extends from Shark Bay, along the coast and inland regions, and was previously common on sandplains.

The species was recorded in regions to the south and east, with once extensive wheatbelt and goldfield populations.

[1] The Adelaide Zoo in South Australia is co-ordinating a captive breeding program for the species, and the offspring raised have been released into the Arid Recovery Reserve in the states north with no success due to mulga snake, Pseudechis australis, predation.

Aspidites ramsayi preys upon a variety of terrestrial vertebrates such as small mammals, ground birds, and lizards.

Many adult womas are covered in scars from retaliating rodents as this technique does not kill prey as quickly as normal constriction.

Perhaps due to this, species within the genus Aspidites lack the characteristic heat sensing pits of pythons, although they possess an equivalent sensory structure in the rostral scale.

Considered to be more active than many pythons, as well as being a very docile and "easy to handle" snake, the woma is highly sought after in the reptile and exotic pet trade.