Ball Pythons (Python regius) are snakes, which are well-tempered and fairly easy to maintain. They may also be referred to as "Royal Pythons," or "Regal Pythons." Domestically captive-bred specimens from reputable breeders are available, and much preferred over wild-caught snakes.

Natural Environment

The natural range of the Ball Python is western Africa to central Africa, just north of the equator. It can be found in open forests, as well as drier savannahs. It is usually found in areas with good cover near open water where it can cool itself during hot weather, since temperatures often exceed 100ºF. It spends most of its time on or under the ground in confiscated burrows, although it can climb. It is crepuscular (most active at dawn and at dusk).

Physical Characteristics

Both female and male snakes have "anal spurs," which look like small claws on either side of the vent. These are actually vestigial hind legs. Like other snakes, it has a highly sensitive forked tongue which is used as a sensory organ.

Subspecies differences: There are no recognized subspecies of the Ball Python, although colors and patterns may differ from region to region.

Sexual differences: The female Ball Python is larger than the male, and can reach a length of up to 6 feet, although 4 feet is more common. Ball Pythons have very muscular bodies, which can be 4-6 inches in diameter; the male is generally more slender and has a smaller head. Male snakes have larger anal spurs. A sexing probe can be used to determine the sex of snakes less than 6 months of age, but it should only be done by someone proficient in its use. Young Ball Pythons grow about one foot in length for their first 3 years, and reach sexual maturity at 3-5 years of age.

Color: Since it is secretive, the Ball Python has a camouflaged design in browns and tans. The top of the head is characteristically a dark brown, and has yellowish stripes on each side from the nostrils, through the eyes, and to the back of the head. The underside of the snake is ivory white.

Life expectancy: Ball Pythons generally live 10 years in the wild, and often 20-30 years in captivity (the record is 47 years).

Temperament

The Ball Python is generally well-mannered, and will seldom bite, instead, if threatened, it rolls itself into a ball (hence the name Ball Python) with the head buried beneath the folds of its body. It may share a burrow peacefully with others of its kind.