Ball python
| Python regius | |
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| Species: | P. regius
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| Python regius | |
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The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a non-venomous python species found in Africa. This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in the pet trade. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]
Anatomy and morphology
Adults generally do not grow to more than 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) in length,[3] although some specimens have reached 152 cm and even 182 cm (5-6 feet), but this is very rare. [4] The build is stocky[3] while the head is relatively small. The scales are smooth[4] and both sexes have anal spurs either side of the vent.[5]
The color pattern is typically black with light brown-green side and dorsal blotches. The belly is a white or cream that may or may not include scattered black markings.[4] However, those in the pet industries have, through selective breeding, developed many morphs with altered colors and patterns.[6]
Geographic range
Found in Africa from Senegal, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Niger and Nigeria through Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic to Sudan and Uganda. No type locality was given in the original description.[1]
Ecology and behavior
Habitat
Prefers grasslands, savannahs and sparsely wooded areas.[3]
Feeding
In the wild, the diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as African soft-furred rats, shrews and striped mice. Younger individuals have also been known to feed on birds. Captives usually do well on domestic rats and mice, either live, pre-killed, or frozen-thawed.[4]
Behavior
This terrestrial species is known for its defense strategy that involves coiling into a tight ball when threatened, with its head and neck tucked away in the middle. in this state, it can literally be rolled around. Favored retreats include mammal burrows and other underground hiding places where they also aestivate during the dry season.[3]
Reproduction
Oviparous, with anywhere from 3-11 eggs being laid (4-6 being most common). These are incubated by the female underground and hatch after 60 days.
Etymology
The name ball python refers to the animal's tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.[7] The name royal python (from the Latin "regius") is based in part on the story that Cleopatra supposedly wore the snake around her wrist.
Captivity
Due to their smaller size compared to other pythons and commonly docile temperament, these snakes are bred in captivity and have become popular as pets.[8] Juveniles tend to be more aggressive at first, but typically calm down as they get used to human contact. Wild-caught specimens have greater difficulty adapting to a captive environment, which can result in refusal to feed and parasitic infection. Longevity is 20-40 years, with the oldest captive specimen on record reaching 48 years of age.[9][10]
See also
- List of pythonid species and subspecies.
- Pythonidae by common name.
- Pythonidae by taxonomic synonyms.
References
- ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ "Python regius". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 12 September.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help) - ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
Meh87was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d Barker DG, Barker TM. 2006. Ball Pythons: The History, Natural History, Care and Breeding (Pythons of the World, Volume 2). VPI Library. 320 pp. ISBN 0978541103.
- ^ Ball python at Pet Education. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- ^ (P. regius) Base Mutations at Graziani Reptiles. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- ^ Ball Python (Python regius) Caresheet at ball-pythons.net. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- ^ Ball Pythons, Selection and Maintenance at MSN Groups. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- ^ Ball python at NERD Herpetocultural Library. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- ^ Making Responsible Choices When Considering a Reptile as a Pet at The Alaska Zoo. Accessed 12 September 2007.
External links
- Python regius at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Ball Python Articles and Care Sheets at RC Reptiles.com. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Ball Python Care Sheet at Herphangout. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Troubleshooting Guide for Ball Pythons at kingsnake.com. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Ball Pythons as Pets at About.com: Exotic Pets. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Royal Python, Python regius at Exotic-pets.eu. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Ball Python - Basic Breeding Sheet at Morph Capital. Accessed 12 September 2007.
- Ball python videos at Animals Tube Accessed 21 September 2007.