Python Ball (Python regius):

History and Distribution: The ball python, Python regius, also known as "ball python", is native to Central Africa, specifically regions spanning from Ivory Coast to West Africa. Her name "ball" comes from her habit of rolling into a ball when she feels threatened.

Physical Description:

• Typical adult size of 90 to 120 centimeters, although some can exceed this range.
• Robust body and small head in proportion to the body.
• Soft-touch scales and variable coloring, which can include patterns and colors such as brown, black, yellow and white.

Behavior and Habits:

• They are nocturnal and twilight snakes, meaning they are most active at night and at sunrise and sunset.
• They are known for rolling into a ball when they feel threatened, protecting their head and neck.
• They tend to be docile snakes and well adapted to captivity.

Diet:

• They feed mainly on rodents, such as mice and rats, which must be provided in suitable sizes to avoid feeding problems.
• The frequency of feeding decreases with age, and adults can be fed every 1-2 weeks.

Reproduction and Parenting:

• Captive breeding is common and has led to a variety of color morphologies in the ball python.
• Females lay eggs, and incubation can be carried out in specific incubators.

Care as a Pet:

• Terrarium: They need a terrarium with hiding places, branches and a suitable substrate to retain moisture.
• Temperature: They require a thermal gradient with a warm area (about 32-35 °C) and a cooler area (about 25-28 °C).
• Lighting: They need lighting in regular cycles to simulate day and night.
• Hydration: A bowl of fresh water should be provided, and the environment should be maintained with adequate humidity levels, especially during molting.

Trivia:

• The ball python is known for its quiet nature and ease of handling.
• His name "ball python" is derived from his defensive behavior of rolling into a ball.
• They are long-lived snakes, being able to live between 20 and 30 years in captivity.

Colors and Variations:

• Numerous color morphologies exist, including albino, pixel, pastel variants, among others.
• Selective breeding has led to the creation of ball pythons with unique and desired colors and patterns.

In short, the ball python is a popular choice as a pet because of its manageable size, calm nature and color variability. As with any exotic pet, it is critical to properly understand and provide for your specific needs to ensure your wellbeing in captivity. Python Ball (Python regius)