Python regius
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- Common names: royal python, ball python.[2]
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]
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[edit] 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] The build is stocky[2] 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: genetic mutations with altered colors and patterns.[6]
[edit] Common names
Royal python, ball python.[2]
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.
[edit] 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]
[edit] Habitat
Prefers grasslands, savannahs and sparsly wooded areas.[2]
[edit] 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.[2]
[edit] 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]
[edit] 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 to breed, and females should be no less than 1500 g.[4]
[edit] 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]
[edit] See also
- List of pythonid species and subspecies.
- Pythonidae by common name.
- Pythonidae by taxonomic synonyms.
[edit] 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).
- ^ a b c d e f g Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ Python regius (TSN 634784). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 12 September 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f 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.
[edit] External links
- Python regius at the TIGR 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.
- General Ball Python Husbandry at Pet Care Portal. Accessed 12 September 2007.
