BALL PYTHON
(ROYAL PYTHON)

Python regius

REPTILE

Order Squamata

Description

3-5 ft. long; darkish brown to black on top; belly lighter. Marked with large, irregular blotches on back and sides.

Range

Western Africa

Status

Although not currently listed as endangered, commercial trade of this species is regulated by international law, since it may become endangered without regulated trade.

Photos © James P. Rowan Photography

Ecology

Habitat

grasslands

Niche

carnivorous: hunts grassland rodents primarily; preyed upon or injured by grassland mammals such as wild pig, wart hog or leopard. Constrictor. May be active at any time.

Life History

Females stop eating shortly after mating, then shed their skin and resume normal feeding after eggs hatch. During 75-80 day incubation, the female coils around the eggs and shivers in order to generate heat for the eggs. This is one of the few examples of parental care among the reptiles, and snakes in particular. Young mature at 5 years; life span 18 yrs in captivity.

Special Adaptations

• Camouflage coloration blends well with dark soil and grass.
• Clear scale covers eye so that snake always appears to be awake; absence of blinking aids in camouflage.
• Forked tongue/Jacobson's organ for gathering information.
• Heat sensors on the upper lip help to locate warm-blooded prey.
• Rolls up into tight ball when irritated or frightened and is difficult to uncoil; head is at the center of the coil. Coiled snake may be too large for some predators to swallow.
• Special jaw structure allows snake to swallow prey larger than its mouth.