Python regius, commonly known as the royal python or ball python, is a non-venomous snake belonging to the python family. Native to the savannas and forests of western and central Africa, this species is known for its calm demeanor and tendency to roll up into a ball when threatened, giving it its popular name. Its size is relatively small compared to other python species, reaching an average length of between 1.2 and 1.5 meters, although in some cases it can reach 1.8 meters.
The Python regius has a robust and muscular body, covered by skin with distinctive patterns of irregular spots in shades of brown, black, gold and beige, providing excellent camouflage in its natural environment. The belly is usually white or cream in color. The head is broad, with a rounded snout and small eyes that feature vertical pupils, adapted for night vision.
This species is mainly nocturnal, although it can be active during dawn or dusk. It feeds on small mammals and birds, capturing its prey by constriction. The ball python is an efficient predator that stalks its prey before attacking it, quickly coiling around its body and squeezing until it stops breathing.
The Python regius has a remarkable longevity, being able to live between 20 and 30 years in captivity if provided with the right conditions. It is an oviparous species, and females lay between 3 and 11 eggs, which they incubate by coiling around them to maintain a constant temperature. The eggs hatch after approximately two months.
Due to its docile temperament and manageable size, the Python regius is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. However, in its natural habitat, it plays an important ecological role as a controller of rodent populations. In some African cultures, this snake is considered sacred and is treated with respect, as it is believed to symbolize royalty and power. Although not endangered, the ball python faces threats due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade, which has led to initiatives for its conservation and sustainable management.
Approximate measurements of the Python:
The Python regius has a robust and muscular body, covered by skin with distinctive patterns of irregular spots in shades of brown, black, gold and beige, providing excellent camouflage in its natural environment. The belly is usually white or cream in color. The head is broad, with a rounded snout and small eyes that feature vertical pupils, adapted for night vision.
This species is mainly nocturnal, although it can be active during dawn or dusk. It feeds on small mammals and birds, capturing its prey by constriction. The ball python is an efficient predator that stalks its prey before attacking it, quickly coiling around its body and squeezing until it stops breathing.
The Python regius has a remarkable longevity, being able to live between 20 and 30 years in captivity if provided with the right conditions. It is an oviparous species, and females lay between 3 and 11 eggs, which they incubate by coiling around them to maintain a constant temperature. The eggs hatch after approximately two months.
Due to its docile temperament and manageable size, the Python regius is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. However, in its natural habitat, it plays an important ecological role as a controller of rodent populations. In some African cultures, this snake is considered sacred and is treated with respect, as it is believed to symbolize royalty and power. Although not endangered, the ball python faces threats due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade, which has led to initiatives for its conservation and sustainable management.
Approximate measurements of the Python:
- 1:1 scale Complete
- Length 215 mm
- Height 31 mm
- Width 225 mm
- Snout-tail length 850 mm
