ORDER

Squamata (amphisbaenians, lizards and snakes)

FAMILY

Boidae (boas and pythons)

HABITAT AND RANGE

Womas inhabit the dry, desert regions of central Australia to the southwestern edge of Queensland and into northern South Australia. They are closely related to the black headed python (A. melanocephalus).

IDENTIFICATION

The genus Aspidites translates from Latin to "shield-bearer." This refers to the two large black scales found on the top of its head. Womas grow to about 4-5 feet long. Their bellies are bright yellow in color while their dorsal pattern is made up of alternating cream and red-brown bands. Different color variations occur in different geographical areas but the same basic color scheme is retained.

DIET

Womas are voracious hunters. They prefer to feed on small terrestrial vertebrates, especially small burrowing mammals but sometimes lizards and birds. As members of the Boidae family they are powerful constrictors. But, since they often hunt within the burrow of their prey, there is no space for them to wrap their bodies around their victims. Instead, they expand their bodies when they are next to their prey and squeeze the prey against the burrow walls. Womas caught in the wild often exhibit many scars along the sides of their bodies which are probably received in retaliation from the prey.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Little is known about the wild population reproductive habits, information is based on captive individuals. Mating seems to occur between May and August and eggs are deposited in late September and early October. Average clutch size is 14 eggs which hatch after about 57 days of incubation. Lifespan in the wild is unknown but Boidae generally live to about 30 years.

NOTES

Members of the Boidae family exhibit a number of ‘primitive’ features which include the presence of a vestigial hind femur, pelvis and claw. They also show a clear distinction between head and body. Womas are highly endangered snakes due to skin trade and habitat destruction.