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{{Short description|Species of constricting snake}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{speciesbox
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
⚫ | status = LC
{{Speciesbox
⚫ | status_system = IUCN3.1
⚫ |status = NT
⚫ | image = Ball python lucy.JPG
⚫ |status_system = IUCN3.1
⚫ | genus = Python
|status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |author=D'Cruze, N. |author2=Wilms, T. |author3=Penner, J. |author4=Luiselli, L. |author5=Jallow, M. |author6=Segniagbeto, G. |author7=Niagate, B. |author8=Schmitz, A. |year=2021 |title=''Python regius'' |volume=2021 |page=e.T177562A15340592 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T177562A15340592.en |access-date=11 November 2023}}</ref>
⚫ | species = regius
|status2 = CITES_A2
⚫ | authority = (], 1802)
|status2_system = CITES
| synonyms = * ''Boa regia'' ], 1802
⚫ |image = Ball python lucy.JPG
* ''Enygrus'' ''regi''''us'' - ], 1830
⚫ |genus = Python
⚫ * ''Cenchris regia'' - ], 1831
⚫ |species = regius
⚫ * ''Python Bellii'' ], 1842
⚫ |authority = (], 1802)
* ''Python regius'' - ] & ], 1844
* ''Hortulia regia'' - ], 1849 |synonyms = * ''Boa regia'' ], 1802
⚫ * ''Cenchris regia'' ], 1831
* ''Python regius'' - ], 1893<ref name="McD99"/>
⚫ * ''Python bellii'' ], 1842
⚫ | range_map = Python regius distribution.svg
* ''Hortulia regia'' ], 1849<ref name=McD99/>
⚫ | range_map_caption = Distribution map of ball python
⚫ |range_map = Python regius distribution.svg
⚫ |range_map_caption = Distribution map of ball python
}} }}


The '''ball python''' (''Python regius''), also known as the '''royal python''',<ref name="Meh87">Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}.</ref> is a ] species found in sub-Saharan ]. Like all other pythons, it is a ] ]. This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in the pet trade, largely due to its small size and typically docile temperament. No ] are currently recognized.<ref name="ITIS">{{ITIS |id=634784 |taxon=''Python regius'' |accessdate=12 September 2007}}</ref> The name "ball python" refers to the animal's tendency to curl into a ball when ]ed or frightened.<ref name="BPN"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523102853/http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&id=59 |date=23 May 2007 }} at . Accessed 12 September 2007.</ref> The name "royal python" (from the Latin ''regius'') comes from the fact that rulers in Africa would wear the python as jewelry.{{citation needed|date = May 2017}} The '''ball python''' ('''''Python regius'''''), also called the '''royal python''', is a ] species native to ] and ], where it lives in ]s, shrublands and open forests. This ] ] is the smallest of the African pythons, growing to a maximum length of {{cvt|182|cm}}.<ref name=McD99>{{cite book |author1=McDiarmid, R. W. |author2=Campbell, J. A. |author3=Touré, T. |year=1999 |title=Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference |volume=1 |publisher=Herpetologists' League |location=Washington, DC |isbn=1-893777-00-6}}</ref> The name "ball python" refers to its tendency to curl into a ball when ]ed or frightened.<ref name=Meh87>{{cite book |author=Mehrtens, J. M. |year=1987 |title=Living Snakes of the World in Color |location=New York |publisher=Sterling Publishers |isbn=080696460X |chapter=Ball Python, Royal Python (''Python regius'') |page=62 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/livingsnakesofwo00mehr/page/62}}</ref>

== Taxonomy ==
''Boa regia'' was the ] proposed by ] in 1802 for a pale variegated python from an indistinct place in Africa.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Shaw |first1=G. |year=1802 |title=General zoology, or Systematic natural history. Volume III, Part II |location=London |publisher=G. Kearsley |pages=347–348 |chapter=''Royal Boa'' |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/generalzoology3121802shaw/page/n561}}</ref>
The ] name ''Python'' was proposed by ] in 1803 for non-venomous flecked snakes.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Daudin |first1=F. M. |year=1803 |title=Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, des reptiles |volume=Tome 8 |location=Paris |publisher=De l'Imprimerie de F. Dufart |page=384 |chapter=''Python'' |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/histoirenaturel181802daud/page/384}}</ref> Between 1830 and 1849, several generic names were proposed for the same ] described by Shaw, including ''Enygrus'' by ], ''Cenchris'' and ''Hertulia'' by ]. Gray also described four specimens that were collected in Gambia and were preserved in spirits and fluid.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gray |first1=J. E. |year=1849 |chapter=The Royal Rock Snake |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/catalogueofspeci40brit/page/90 |pages=90–91 |title=Catalogue of the specimens of snakes in the collection of the British museum |publisher=The Trustees |location=London}}</ref>


==Description== ==Description==
] ]
The ball python is black, or albino and dark brown with light brown blotches on the back and sides. Its white or cream belly is scattered with black markings. It is a stocky snake with a relatively small head and smooth scales.<ref name="Meh87"/> It reaches a maximum adult length of {{convert|182|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}. Males typically measure eight to ten ], and females typically measure two to four subcaudal scales.<ref name="Bar06">{{cite book |author=Barker, D. G. |author2=Barker, T. M. |year=2006 |title=Ball Pythons: The History, Natural History, Care and Breeding |series=Pythons of the World |volume=2 |publisher=VPI Library |location=Boerne, TX |isbn=0-9785411-0-3}}</ref> Females reach an average snout-to-vent length of {{convert|116.2|cm|frac=16|abbr=on}}, a {{convert|44.3|mm|frac=32|abbr=on}} long jaw, an {{convert|8.7|cm|frac=16|abbr=on}} long tail and a maximum weight of {{convert|1.635|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}. Males are smaller with an average snout-to-vent length of {{convert|111.3|cm|frac=16|abbr=on}}, a {{convert|43.6|mm|frac=32|abbr=on}} long jaw, an {{convert|8.6|cm|frac=16|abbr=on}} long tail and a maximum weight of {{convert|1.561|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Aubret_al2005>{{Cite journal |author1=Aubret, F. |author2=Bonnet, X. |author3=Harris, M. |author4=Maumelat, S. |year=2005 |title=Sex Differences in Body Size and Ectoparasite Load in the Ball Python, ''Python regius'' |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=315–320 |doi=10.1670/111-02N |jstor=4092910|s2cid=86230972 }}</ref>
Maximum adult length of this ] is {{convert|182|cm|ft|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Bar06">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|0-9785411-0-3}}.</ref> Females tend to be slightly bigger than males, maturing around {{convert|122|-|137|cm|ft|1|abbr=on}}. Males typically grow to around {{convert|90|-|107|cm|ft|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1831&aid=2422|title=Ball Python (Python regius) Basic Husbandry and Feeding: Housing, Diet, Handling, and Care|website=www.peteducation.com|access-date=2017-09-21}}</ref> Their build is stocky,<ref name="Meh87"/> while the head is relatively small. The scales are smooth<ref name="Bar06"/> and both sexes have ]s on either side of the vent.<ref name="PetEd"> at . Accessed 12 September 2007.</ref> Although males tend to have larger spurs, this is not definitive, and sex is best determined by manual eversion of the male ] or inserting a probe into the ] to check the presence of an inverted hemipenis (if male).<ref name="McCurley">McCurley, Kevin. 2005. The Complete Ball Python: A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding and Genetic Mutations. ECO & Serpent's Tale Nat Hist Books. 300 pp. {{ISBN|978-097-131-9}}.</ref> When probing to determine sex, males typically measure eight to 10 ], and females typically measure two to four subcaudal scales.<ref name="Bar06"/>
Both sexes have ]s on both sides of the vent. During ], males use these spurs for gripping females.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Rizzo, J. M.|year=2014 |title=Captive care and husbandry of ball pythons (''Python regius'') |journal=Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=48–52 |doi=10.5818/1529-9651-24.1.48|s2cid=162806864 }}</ref> Males tend to have larger spurs, and sex is best determined by manual eversion of the male ] or inserting a probe into the ] to check the presence of an inverted hemipenis.<ref name="McCurley">{{cite book |author=McCurley, K. |year=2005 |title=The Complete Ball Python: A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding and Genetic Mutations |publisher=ECO & Serpent's Tale Natural History Books |isbn=978-097-131-9}}</ref>

The colour pattern is typically black or dark brown with light brown or gold sides and dorsal blotches. The belly is a white or cream that may include scattered black markings.<ref name="Bar06"/> However, those in the pet industries have, through selective breeding, developed many ] (]) with altered colors and patterns.<ref name="Graz"> at . Accessed 12 September 2007.</ref>


==Distribution and habitat== ==Distribution and habitat==
The ball python is native to west ] from ] through ] to ] and ].<ref name=iucn/>
They are found in west ] from ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] through ], ], and the ] to ] and ]. No ] was given in the original description.<ref name="McD99">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).</ref>
It prefers grasslands, ], and sparsely wooded areas.<ref name="Meh87"/>


==Behavior and ecology==
The ball python bears a strong physical resemblance to the ], whose adaptive abilities have caused it to become classified as an ] in places such as the ]. The ball python, however, has not been known to reproduce in the wild outside of its native range and no reproducing wild populations are known in Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/python/ball-python/|title=Ball python|publisher=Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission|accessdate=8 March 2017}}</ref>
Ball pythons are typically nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning that they are active during dusk, dawn, and/or nighttime.<ref name="Luiselli and Angelici 1998" /> This 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. This defense behavior is typically employed in lieu of biting, which makes this species easy for humans to handle and has contributed to their popularity as a pet.<ref name="Meh87"/>


Ball pythons prefer grasslands, ], and sparsely wooded areas,<ref name="Meh87"/> but have been shown to adapt to all types of environments. Males tend to display more semi-arboreal behaviours, whilst females tend towards terrestrial behaviours.<ref>Luca Luiselli & Francesco Maria Angelici (1998) Sexual size dimorphism and natural history traits are correlated with intersexual dietary divergence in royal pythons (python regius) from the rainforests of southeastern Nigeria, Italian Journal of Zoology, 65:2, 183-185, DOI:10.1080/11250009809386744</ref> In the wild, ball pythons favor mammal burrows and other underground hiding places, where they also ]. Males tend to display more semi-arboreal behaviors, whilst females tend towards terrestrial behaviors.<ref name="Luiselli and Angelici 1998" />


==Behavior== ===Diet===
The diet of the ball python in the wild consists mostly of small mammals and birds. Young ball pythons of less than {{cvt|70|cm}} prey foremost on small birds. Ball pythons longer than {{cvt|100|cm}} prey foremost on small mammals. Males prey more frequently on birds, and females more frequently on mammals.<ref name="Luiselli and Angelici 1998">{{cite journal |last1=Luiselli |first1=L. |last2=Angelici |first2=F. M. |name-list-style=amp |title=Sexual size dimorphism and natural history traits are correlated with intersexual dietary divergence in royal pythons (''Python regius'') from the rainforests of southeastern Nigeria |journal=Italian Journal of Zoology |date=1998 |volume=65 |issue=2 |pages=183–185 |doi=10.1080/11250009809386744}}</ref> Rodents make up a large percentage of the diet; ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s, and ] are among the species consumed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_regius/ |title=''Python regius'' (Ball Python, Royal Python)|website=] }}</ref>
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 ]. In captivity, they are considered good pets, with their relatively small size and placid nature making them easy to handle.<ref name="Meh87"/>


==Diet== ===Reproduction===
]
In the wild, their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as ], ]s, and ] and birds. Younger pythons, under 70&nbsp;cm total length, and males prey almost exclusively on small birds (nestlings and immature young) whilst pythons greater than 70&nbsp;cm total length, and females prey almost exclusively on small mammals.<ref>Luca Luiselli & Francesco Maria Angelici (1998) Sexual size dimorphism and natural history traits are correlated with intersexual dietary divergence in royal pythons (python
⚫ Females are ] and lay three to 11 rather large, leathery eggs.<ref name="Bar06"/> The eggs hatch after 55 to 60 days. Young male pythons reach sexual maturity at 11–18 months, and females at 20–36 months. Age is only one factor in determining sexual maturity and the ability to breed; weight is the second factor. Males breed at {{convert|600|g|abbr=on}} or more, but in captivity are often not bred until they are {{convert|800|g|abbr=on}}, although in captivity, some males have been known to begin breeding at {{convert|300-400|g|abbr=on}}. Females breed in the wild at weights as low as {{convert|800|g|abbr=on}} though {{convert|1200|g|abbr=on}} or more in weight is most common; in captivity, breeders generally wait until they are no less than {{convert|1500|g|abbr=on}}. Parental care of the eggs ends once they hatch, and the female leaves the offspring to fend for themselves.<ref name="McCurley" />
regius) from the rainforests of southeastern Nigeria, Italian Journal of Zoology, 65:2, 183-185, DOI:
10.1080/11250009809386744</ref>


] was demonstrated in a pet ball python.<ref name = DiIanni2023>{{cite journal |vauthors=Di Ianni F, Albarella S, Vetere A, Torcello M, Ablondi M, Pugliano M, Di Mauro S, Parma P, Ciotola F |title=Demonstration of Parthenogenetic Reproduction in a Pet Ball Python (Python regius) through Analysis of Early-Stage Embryos |journal=Genes (Basel) |volume=14 |issue=9 |date=August 2023 |page=1744 |pmid=37761884 |pmc=10531270 |doi=10.3390/genes14091744 |doi-access=free |url=}}</ref> A genetic comparison of a mother and her early-stage embryos demonstrated the parthenogenetic origin of the latter.<ref name = DiIanni2023/>
==Reproduction==
⚫ Females are ], with 3 to 11 rather large, leathery eggs being laid (four to six are most common).<ref name="Bar06"/> These are incubated by the female under the ground (via a shivering motion), and hatch after 55 to 60 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 11–18 months for males, and 20–36 months for females. Age is only one factor in determining sexual maturity and ability to breed; weight is the second factor. Males breed at 600 g or more, but in captivity are often not bred until they are 800 g (1.7 lb), although in captivity, some males have been known to begin breeding at 300–400 g. Females breed in the wild at weights as low as 800 g though 1200 g or more in weight is most common; in captivity, breeders generally wait until they are no less than 1500&nbsp;g (3.3&nbsp;lb). Parental care of the eggs ends once they hatch, and the female leaves the offspring to fend for themselves.<ref name="McCurley" />


==Captivity== == Threats ==
The ball python is listed as ] on the ]; it experiences a high level of exploitation and the population is believed to be in decline in most of West Africa.<ref name=iucn/> The ball python is primarily threatened by ] for the international exotic ]. It is also hunted for its skin, meat and use in ]. Other threats include habitat loss as a result of intensified agriculture and pesticide use.<ref name=iucn/> Rural hunters in Togo collect gravid females and egg clutches, which they sell to snake ranches. In 2019 alone, 58 interviewed hunters had collected 3,000 live ball pythons and 5,000 eggs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=D’Cruze |first1=N. |last2=Harrington |first2=L.A. |last3=Assou |first3=D. |last4=Ronfot |first4=De. |last5=Macdonald |first5=D.W. |last6=Segniagbeto |first6=G.H. |last7=Auliya |first7=M. |title=Searching for snakes: ball python hunting in southern Togo, West Africa |journal=Nature Conservation |date=2020 |volume=38 |pages=13–36 |doi=10.3897/natureconservation.38.47864 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

==In captivity==
] ball python]] ] ball python]]
]]] ]]]
Wild-caught specimens have greater difficulty adapting to a captive environment, which can result in refusal to feed, and they generally carry internal or external ]. Specimens have survived for over 40 years in captivity, with the oldest recorded ball python being kept in captivity 47 years and 6 months until its death in 1992 at the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pondturtle.com/lsnakea.html#Python |title=Python longevity records |first1=Frank |last1=Kate |first2=Kate |last2=Slavens |year=2003 |work=Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity – Longevity (at PondTurtle.com) |accessdate=2016-08-10}}</ref> Ball pythons are the most popular pet snake and the second most popular pet reptile after the bearded dragon.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Valdez |first1=Jose W. |title=Using Google Trends to Determine Current, Past, and Future Trends in the Reptile Pet Trade |journal=Animals |date=3 March 2021 |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=676 |doi=10.3390/ani11030676 |pmc=8001315 |pmid=33802560 |doi-access=free }}</ref> According to the IUCN Red List, while captive bred animals are widely available in the pet trade, capture of wild specimens for sale continues to cause significant damage to wild populations.<ref name="iucn" /> Wild-caught specimens have greater difficulty adapting to a captive environment, which can result in refusal to feed, and they generally carry internal or external ].{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} This species can do quite well in captivity, regularly living for 15–30 years with good care. The oldest recorded ball python in captivity is 62 years, 59 of those at the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/11/a-new-squeeze-snake-mystery-after-lone-elderly-python-lays-clutch-of-eggs |title=A new squeeze? Snake mystery after lone, elderly python lays a clutch of eggs |website=] |year=2020 |access-date=2020-09-11}}</ref>

Hundreds of different color patterns are available in captive snakes. Some of the most common are spider, pastel, albino, Mojave, and lesser. Breeders are continuously creating new designer morphs, and over 5,300 different morphs currently exist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldofballpythons.com/morphs/|title=Morph List - World of Ball Pythons|website=World of Ball Pythons|language=en|access-date=2017-09-21}}</ref>

⚫ ==Breeding==

Ball Pythons are one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. They usually are able to produce a clutch of six eggs on average, but clutch sizes also range from one to eleven. Ball pythons reach sexual maturity at the age of two to two and a half years and a weight of 1500 grams. These snakes usually lay one clutch per year and the eggs hatch around sixty days later. Usually these eggs are artificially incubated in a captive environment at temperatures between 88-90 degrees Fahrenheit.Some captive breeders use ultra-sounding technology to verify the progress of reproductive development. This can help to increase chances of successful fertilization as the ultra-sound can help predict best times to introduce males and females during breeding season.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bertocchi |first1=Pelizzone |title=Monitoring the reproductive activity in captive bred female ball pythons (P. regius) by ultrasound evaluation and noninvasive analysis of faecal reproductive hormone (progesterone and 17β-estradiol) metabolites trends |journal=PLoS ONE |date=June 27, 2018 |volume=13 |issue=6 |url=https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199377 |accessdate=19 September 2018}}</ref>]


⚫ ===Breeding===
==Beliefs and folklore==
]
This species is particularly revered in the ] of the ] of southeastern ]. 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 still build a ] for the snake's remains and give it a short funeral.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Hambly, Wilfrid Dyson |author2=Laufer, Berthold |journal=Fieldiana Anthropology|volume=21|issue= 1|year=1931|title= Serpent worship|url=https://archive.org/details/serpentworshipin211hamb}}</ref>
Captive ball pythons are often bred for specific patterns that do not occur in the wild, called "morphs."<ref>{{cite web |website=Reptiles magazine |url=http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/A-Crash-Course-in-Ball-Python-Reptile-Genetics/ |title=A Crash Course in Ball Python/Reptile Genetics |date=2016 |author=Bulinski, S. C.}}</ref><ref name= "Giggs 2023">{{cite magazine|first=Rebecca|last=Giggs|url= https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/02/26/inside-the-world-of-designer-ball-pythons|title=Skin in the Game|magazine=]|date=February 21, 2024| access-date=February 19, 2024}}</ref> Breeders are continuously creating new designer morphs, and over 7,500 different morphs currently exist.<ref name= "Giggs 2023"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Morph List – World of Ball Pythons |url=http://www.worldofballpythons.com/morphs/ |access-date=2021-08-31 |website=World of Ball Pythons}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Yurdakul E. |date=2020 |title=Ball Python Morphs |url=https://reptilianworld.com/reptile/snake-reptile/ball-python-morphs/ |website=Reptilian world}}</ref> Most morphs are considered solely cosmetic with no harm or benefit to the individual animal. However, the "spider" morph gene has been linked to neurological disease, typically involving symptoms such as head tremors and lack of coordination that are collectively referred to as "wobble syndrome."<ref>{{Cite journal |author=Rose, M. P. & Williams, D. L. |year=2014 |title=Neurologic dysfunction in a ball python (''Python regius'') color morph, and implications for welfare |journal=Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=234–239 |doi=10.1053/j.jepm.2014.06.002 }}</ref> Due to the ethical concerns associated with intentionally breeding a color pattern linked to genetic disease, the International Herpetological Society banned the sale of spider morphs at their events beginning in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=International Herpetological Society |url=http://www.ihs-web.org.uk/ihs-news.php?hash=d6ff9182701ee47dd9ebc5a38e05ba1f&mnid=24&page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508051212/http://www.ihs-web.org.uk/ihs-news.php?hash=d6ff9182701ee47dd9ebc5a38e05ba1f&mnid=24&page=3 |archive-date=2020-05-08 |title=Breeders Meetings – New Policy – June 2017 |date=2017}}</ref>


==See also== ==In culture==
The ball python is particularly revered by the ] in southeastern ], who consider it symbolic of the earth, being an animal that travels so close to the ground. Even Christian Igbos treat ball pythons with great care whenever they come across one in a village or on someone's property; they either let them roam or pick them up gently and return them to a forest or field away from houses. If one is accidentally killed, many communities on Igbo land still build a coffin for the snake's remains and give it a short funeral.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hambly |first1=Wilfrid D. |title=Serpent worship in Africa |journal=Fieldiana Anthropology |series=Publication. Field Museum of Natural History |date=1931 |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=1–85 |jstor=29782194 |doi=10.5962/bhl.title.7137 |hdl=10111/UIUCOCA:serpentworshipin211hamb |oclc=678589753 |url=https://archive.org/details/serpentworshipin211hamb |doi-access=free }}{{Obsolete source|reason=This source is roughly 90 years old, and as a source of anthropology is likely to have been affected by attitudes towards non-Western cultures of the time. An updated source is required.|date=May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Udengwu |first1=Ngozi |last2=Erojikwe |first2=Ikechukwu |last3=Nnanna |first3=Ndubuisi |title=Cultural transformation and the trials of the sacred python in text and context |journal=Creative Artist: A Journal of Theatre and Media Studies |date=2019 |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=22–49 |url=https://www.ajol.info/index.php/cajtms/article/view/214874 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Drewal |first1=Henry John |title=Interpretation, Invention, and Re-Presentation in the Worship of Mami Wata |journal=Journal of Folklore Research |date=1988 |volume=25 |issue=1/2 |pages=101–139 |jstor=3814277 }}</ref> In northwestern ], there is a taboo towards pythons as people consider them a savior and cannot hurt or eat them. According to folklore a python once helped them flee from their enemies by transforming into a log to allow them to cross a river.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Diawuo |first1=Francis |last2=Issifu |first2=Abdul Karim |title=Exploring the African traditional belief systems in natural resource conservation and management in Ghana |journal=Journal of Pan African Studies |date=December 2015 |volume=8 |issue=9 |pages=115–132 |id={{Gale|A441766901}} |s2cid=146125167 |url=https://www.jpanafrican.org/docs/vol8no9/8.9-10-FDiawuo.pdf }}</ref>
* ]
* {{c|Pythonidae by common name}}
* {{c|Pythonidae by taxonomic synonyms}}


==References==<!-- BiodiversConserv17:2037. --> ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons|Python regius}} {{Commons}}
{{Wikispecies|Python regius}} {{Wikispecies|Python regius}}
* {{NRDB species|genus=Python|species=regius|date=12 September|year=2007}} * {{ITIS |id=634784 |taxon=''Python regius'' |access-date=12 September 2007}}
* {{NRDB species|genus=Python|species=regius|date=12 September |year=2007}}
* at . Accessed 12 September 2007.
* {{cite journal |last1=Krishnasamy |first1=Vikram |last2=Stevenson |first2=Lauren |last3=Koski |first3=Lia |last4=Kellis |first4=Marilee |last5=Schroeder |first5=Betsy |last6=Sundararajan |first6=Madhura |last7=Ladd-Wilson |first7=Stephen |last8=Sampsel |first8=Ashley |last9=Mannell |first9=Mike |last10=Classon |first10=Andrew |last11=Wagner |first11=Darlene |last12=Hise |first12=Kelley |last13=Carleton |first13=Heather |last14=Trees |first14=Eija |last15=Schlater |first15=Linda |last16=Lantz |first16=Kristina |last17=Nichols |first17=Megin |title=Notes from the Field: Investigation of an Outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B Variant L(+) tartrate + (Java) Associated with Ball Python Exposure — United States, 2017 |journal=MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report |date=19 May 2018 |volume=67 |issue=19 |pages=562–563 |doi=10.15585/mmwr.mm6719a7 |pmid=29771878 |pmc=6048943 }}
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* at . Accessed 21 May 2018.


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Latest revision as of 07:24, 29 December 2024

Species of constricting snake

Ball python
Conservation status

Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Python
Species: P. regius
Binomial name
Python regius
(Shaw, 1802)
Distribution map of ball python
Synonyms
  • Boa regia Shaw, 1802
  • Cenchris regia Gray, 1831
  • Python bellii Gray, 1842
  • Hortulia regia Gray, 1849

The ball python (Python regius), also called the royal python, is a python species native to West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands, shrublands and open forests. This nonvenomous constrictor is the smallest of the African pythons, growing to a maximum length of 182 cm (72 in). The name "ball python" refers to its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.

Taxonomy

Boa regia was the scientific name proposed by George Shaw in 1802 for a pale variegated python from an indistinct place in Africa. The generic name Python was proposed by François Marie Daudin in 1803 for non-venomous flecked snakes. Between 1830 and 1849, several generic names were proposed for the same zoological specimen described by Shaw, including Enygrus by Johann Georg Wagler, Cenchris and Hertulia by John Edward Gray. Gray also described four specimens that were collected in Gambia and were preserved in spirits and fluid.

Description

Close-up of head

The ball python is black, or albino and dark brown with light brown blotches on the back and sides. Its white or cream belly is scattered with black markings. It is a stocky snake with a relatively small head and smooth scales. It reaches a maximum adult length of 182 cm (6 ft 0 in). Males typically measure eight to ten subcaudal scales, and females typically measure two to four subcaudal scales. Females reach an average snout-to-vent length of 116.2 cm (45+3⁄4 in), a 44.3 mm (1+3⁄4 in) long jaw, an 8.7 cm (3+7⁄16 in) long tail and a maximum weight of 1.635 kg (3 lb 9.7 oz). Males are smaller with an average snout-to-vent length of 111.3 cm (43+13⁄16 in), a 43.6 mm (1+23⁄32 in) long jaw, an 8.6 cm (3+3⁄8 in) long tail and a maximum weight of 1.561 kg (3 lb 7.1 oz). Both sexes have pelvic spurs on both sides of the vent. During copulation, males use these spurs for gripping females. Males tend to have larger spurs, and sex is best determined by manual eversion of the male hemipenes or inserting a probe into the cloaca to check the presence of an inverted hemipenis.

Distribution and habitat

The ball python is native to west Sub Saharan Africa from Senegal through Cameroon to Sudan and Uganda. It prefers grasslands, savannas, and sparsely wooded areas.

Behavior and ecology

Ball pythons are typically nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning that they are active during dusk, dawn, and/or nighttime. This 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. This defense behavior is typically employed in lieu of biting, which makes this species easy for humans to handle and has contributed to their popularity as a pet.

In the wild, ball pythons favor mammal burrows and other underground hiding places, where they also aestivate. Males tend to display more semi-arboreal behaviors, whilst females tend towards terrestrial behaviors.

Diet

The diet of the ball python in the wild consists mostly of small mammals and birds. Young ball pythons of less than 70 cm (28 in) prey foremost on small birds. Ball pythons longer than 100 cm (39 in) prey foremost on small mammals. Males prey more frequently on birds, and females more frequently on mammals. Rodents make up a large percentage of the diet; Gambian pouched rats, black rats, rufous-nosed rats, shaggy rats, and striped grass mice are among the species consumed.

Reproduction

Ball python eggs incubating

Females are oviparous and lay three to 11 rather large, leathery eggs. The eggs hatch after 55 to 60 days. Young male pythons reach sexual maturity at 11–18 months, and females at 20–36 months. Age is only one factor in determining sexual maturity and the ability to breed; weight is the second factor. Males breed at 600 g (21 oz) or more, but in captivity are often not bred until they are 800 g (28 oz), although in captivity, some males have been known to begin breeding at 300–400 g (11–14 oz). Females breed in the wild at weights as low as 800 g (28 oz) though 1,200 g (42 oz) or more in weight is most common; in captivity, breeders generally wait until they are no less than 1,500 g (53 oz). Parental care of the eggs ends once they hatch, and the female leaves the offspring to fend for themselves.

Parthenogenetic reproduction was demonstrated in a pet ball python. A genetic comparison of a mother and her early-stage embryos demonstrated the parthenogenetic origin of the latter.

Threats

The ball python is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; it experiences a high level of exploitation and the population is believed to be in decline in most of West Africa. The ball python is primarily threatened by poaching for the international exotic pet trade. It is also hunted for its skin, meat and use in traditional medicine. Other threats include habitat loss as a result of intensified agriculture and pesticide use. Rural hunters in Togo collect gravid females and egg clutches, which they sell to snake ranches. In 2019 alone, 58 interviewed hunters had collected 3,000 live ball pythons and 5,000 eggs.

In captivity

An albino ball python
A ball python in the Bronx Zoo

Ball pythons are the most popular pet snake and the second most popular pet reptile after the bearded dragon. According to the IUCN Red List, while captive bred animals are widely available in the pet trade, capture of wild specimens for sale continues to cause significant damage to wild populations. Wild-caught specimens have greater difficulty adapting to a captive environment, which can result in refusal to feed, and they generally carry internal or external parasites. This species can do quite well in captivity, regularly living for 15–30 years with good care. The oldest recorded ball python in captivity is 62 years, 59 of those at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Breeding

A killer bee morph on display

Captive ball pythons are often bred for specific patterns that do not occur in the wild, called "morphs." Breeders are continuously creating new designer morphs, and over 7,500 different morphs currently exist. Most morphs are considered solely cosmetic with no harm or benefit to the individual animal. However, the "spider" morph gene has been linked to neurological disease, typically involving symptoms such as head tremors and lack of coordination that are collectively referred to as "wobble syndrome." Due to the ethical concerns associated with intentionally breeding a color pattern linked to genetic disease, the International Herpetological Society banned the sale of spider morphs at their events beginning in 2018.

In culture

The ball python is particularly revered by the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria, who consider it symbolic of the earth, being an animal that travels so close to the ground. Even Christian Igbos treat ball pythons with great care whenever they come across one in a village or on someone's property; they either let them roam or pick them up gently and return them to a forest or field away from houses. If one is accidentally killed, many communities on Igbo land still build a coffin for the snake's remains and give it a short funeral. In northwestern Ghana, there is a taboo towards pythons as people consider them a savior and cannot hurt or eat them. According to folklore a python once helped them flee from their enemies by transforming into a log to allow them to cross a river.

References

  1. ^ D'Cruze, N.; Wilms, T.; Penner, J.; Luiselli, L.; Jallow, M.; Segniagbeto, G.; Niagate, B.; Schmitz, A. (2021). "Python regius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T177562A15340592. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T177562A15340592.en. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  2. ^ McDiarmid, R. W.; Campbell, J. A.; Touré, T. (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Herpetologists' League. ISBN 1-893777-00-6.
  3. ^ Mehrtens, J. M. (1987). "Ball Python, Royal Python (Python regius)". Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. p. 62. ISBN 080696460X.
  4. Shaw, G. (1802). "Royal Boa". General zoology, or Systematic natural history. Volume III, Part II. London: G. Kearsley. pp. 347–348.
  5. Daudin, F. M. (1803). "Python". Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, des reptiles. Vol. Tome 8. Paris: De l'Imprimerie de F. Dufart. p. 384.
  6. Gray, J. E. (1849). "The Royal Rock Snake". Catalogue of the specimens of snakes in the collection of the British museum. London: The Trustees. pp. 90–91.
  7. ^ Barker, D. G.; Barker, T. M. (2006). Ball Pythons: The History, Natural History, Care and Breeding. Pythons of the World. Vol. 2. Boerne, TX: VPI Library. ISBN 0-9785411-0-3.
  8. Aubret, F.; Bonnet, X.; Harris, M.; Maumelat, S. (2005). "Sex Differences in Body Size and Ectoparasite Load in the Ball Python, Python regius". Journal of Herpetology. 39 (2): 315–320. doi:10.1670/111-02N. JSTOR 4092910. S2CID 86230972.
  9. Rizzo, J. M. (2014). "Captive care and husbandry of ball pythons (Python regius)". Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery. 24 (1): 48–52. doi:10.5818/1529-9651-24.1.48. S2CID 162806864.
  10. ^ McCurley, K. (2005). The Complete Ball Python: A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding and Genetic Mutations. ECO & Serpent's Tale Natural History Books. ISBN 978-097-131-9.
  11. ^ Luiselli, L. & Angelici, F. M. (1998). "Sexual size dimorphism and natural history traits are correlated with intersexual dietary divergence in royal pythons (Python regius) from the rainforests of southeastern Nigeria". Italian Journal of Zoology. 65 (2): 183–185. doi:10.1080/11250009809386744.
  12. "Python regius (Ball Python, Royal Python)". Animal Diversity Web.
  13. ^ Di Ianni F, Albarella S, Vetere A, Torcello M, Ablondi M, Pugliano M, Di Mauro S, Parma P, Ciotola F (August 2023). "Demonstration of Parthenogenetic Reproduction in a Pet Ball Python (Python regius) through Analysis of Early-Stage Embryos". Genes (Basel). 14 (9): 1744. doi:10.3390/genes14091744. PMC 10531270. PMID 37761884.
  14. D’Cruze, N.; Harrington, L.A.; Assou, D.; Ronfot, De.; Macdonald, D.W.; Segniagbeto, G.H.; Auliya, M. (2020). "Searching for snakes: ball python hunting in southern Togo, West Africa". Nature Conservation. 38: 13–36. doi:10.3897/natureconservation.38.47864.
  15. Valdez, Jose W. (3 March 2021). "Using Google Trends to Determine Current, Past, and Future Trends in the Reptile Pet Trade". Animals. 11 (3): 676. doi:10.3390/ani11030676. PMC 8001315. PMID 33802560.
  16. "A new squeeze? Snake mystery after lone, elderly python lays a clutch of eggs". TheGuardian.com. 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  17. Bulinski, S. C. (2016). "A Crash Course in Ball Python/Reptile Genetics". Reptiles magazine.
  18. ^ Giggs, Rebecca (21 February 2024). "Skin in the Game". The New Yorker. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  19. "Morph List – World of Ball Pythons". World of Ball Pythons. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  20. Yurdakul E. (2020). "Ball Python Morphs". Reptilian world.
  21. Rose, M. P. & Williams, D. L. (2014). "Neurologic dysfunction in a ball python (Python regius) color morph, and implications for welfare". Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 23 (3): 234–239. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2014.06.002.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. "Breeders Meetings – New Policy – June 2017". International Herpetological Society. 2017. Archived from the original on 8 May 2020.
  23. Hambly, Wilfrid D. (1931). "Serpent worship in Africa". Fieldiana Anthropology. Publication. Field Museum of Natural History. 21 (1): 1–85. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.7137. hdl:10111/UIUCOCA:serpentworshipin211hamb. JSTOR 29782194. OCLC 678589753.
  24. Udengwu, Ngozi; Erojikwe, Ikechukwu; Nnanna, Ndubuisi (2019). "Cultural transformation and the trials of the sacred python in text and context". Creative Artist: A Journal of Theatre and Media Studies. 13 (2): 22–49.
  25. Drewal, Henry John (1988). "Interpretation, Invention, and Re-Presentation in the Worship of Mami Wata". Journal of Folklore Research. 25 (1/2): 101–139. JSTOR 3814277.
  26. Diawuo, Francis; Issifu, Abdul Karim (December 2015). "Exploring the African traditional belief systems in natural resource conservation and management in Ghana" (PDF). Journal of Pan African Studies. 8 (9): 115–132. S2CID 146125167. Gale A441766901.

External links

Family Pythonidae
Antaresia
Apodora
Aspidites
Bothrochilus
Leiopython
Liasis
Malayopython
Morelia
Nyctophilopython
Python
Simalia
Taxon identifiers
Python regius
Boa regia
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