Python_regius

Python regius

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Python
Species:	P. regius

Binomial name

Python regius
(Shaw, 1802)

Synonyms

Boa regia - Shaw, 1802
Enygrus regius. - Wagler, 1830
Cenchris regia - Gray, 1831
Python Bellii - Gray, 1842
Python regius - A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844
Hortulia regia - Gray, 1849
Python regius - Boulenger, 1893¹

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.³

Description

Adults generally do not grow to more than 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) in length,² although some specimens have reached 152 cm and even 182 cm (5-6 feet), but this is very rare. ⁴ Females tend to be slightly bigger than males maturing at an average of 4, 4.5 feet. Males usually average around 3, 3.5 feet. ⁵The build is stocky² while the head is relatively small. The scales are smooth⁴ and both sexes have anal spurs on either side of the vent, although males have larger spurs.⁶

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: genetic mutations with altered colors and patterns.⁷

Morphs

Ball pythons or Royal pythons come in many different mutations, some of the more common including pastel, reduced pattern and albino.⁸ The mutations or morphs are snakes that are not of normal color. The price of a normal pattern can start at $60 and rise from there depending on age, genealogy, color, pattern, etc. Pastels and other morphs can be increasingly expensive. Some rare morphs such as super phantoms and leucistic can be priced into the high thousands. There are many, many morphs and they have endless possibilities when you breed the mutations together. For more information see Ball Python Morphs- The Snake Keeper

Common names

The name ball python refers to the animal's tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.⁹ The name royal python (from the Latin "regius") is based in part on the story that Cleopatra supposedly wore the snake around her wrist.

Geographic range

Habitat

Captive Housing

A 30-gallon aquarium often times makes for a good enclosure for a Ball Python.¹⁰ The problem that most often turns up with aquariums is the humidity. On average the humidity should be around 50-60% sometimes higher during shedding.¹¹ You may need to outfit a top to the enclosure, make sure it allows enough ventilation but still keeps the humidity in. It also needs to be strong as these pythons are very strong and willing when it comes to escaping. Two hiding spots are your best option, one on the cool side and one on the hot side so they can thermo-regulate. The cool side of the tank should be 80-85 degrees and the hot side should be 90-95 degrees. The best heating options are under tank heaters because heat lights can burn the snake if not properly protected and will dry out the humidity. Heat Rocks should never be used! These have been known to short out and cause severe burns. A water bowl is necessary and cage decorations are optional. Proper substrate included paper towels, newspaper, aspen shavings or reptile carpet. Pine and cedar should never be used.¹²

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.²

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 The size of the prey item should be equivalent to or slightly larger than the width of the largest part of their body. This python is known for being a picky eater and may not eat for months. While this is not odd, care should be taken to watch that the snake does not experience significant weight loss. ¹³

Reproduction

Oviparous, with anywhere from 3-11 rather large eggs being laid (4-6 being most common).⁴ These are incubated by the female underground and hatch after 90 days.² Sexual maturity is reached at 12-18 months for males, 24-36 months for females. Age is only one factor in determining sexual maturity and ability to breed -- weight is the second factor. Males should be no less than 900g (2.0 lbs.) to breed, and females should be no less than 1500 g (3.3 lbs.).⁴

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.¹⁴ 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.¹⁵¹⁶

Beliefs and folklore

This species is particularly revered in the traditional religion of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is considered symbolic of the earth, being an animal that travels so close to the ground. Even among many Christian Igbos, these pythons are treated with great care whenever they happen to wander into a village or onto someone's property; they are allowed to roam freely or are very gently picked up and placed out in a forest or field away from any homes. If one is accidentally killed, many communities in Igboland will still build a coffin for the snake's remains and give it a short funeral.¹⁷

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