Ball Python

Python Regius/Ball Python

Python regius 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

Description
Adults generally do not grow to more than 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) in length, although some specimens have reached 152 cm and even 182 cm (5-6 feet), but this is very rare. The build is stocky while the head is relatively small. The scales are smooth and both sexes have anal spurs on either side of the vent, although males have larger spurs.

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. However, those in the pet industries have, through selective breeding, developed many morphs: genetic mutations with altered colors and patterns.

Geograpich 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

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

Habitat
Prefers grasslands, savannahs and sparsly wooded areas