Ball Python
Python regius
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
The ball python is a heavy-bodied African snake that curls around its head when threatened. It hunts small mammals by ambush and constriction.
At a glance
- Location
- Western and central Africa, in grassland, savanna and open woodland.
- Habitat
- Savanna, Grassland
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Food
- Mainly rodents.
Classification
- Common name
- Ball Python
- Browse group
- Reptiles
- Scientific name or taxon
- Python regius
- Taxon rank
- species
- Family
- Pythonidae
- Genus
- Python
- Source classification
- Reptilia
Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.
Measurements
Size and speed
- Length
- 1 to 1.5 m typical adult length
Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Three things to know
- Its defensive coil gives the ball python its name.
- Females grow larger than males.
- Wild prey consists mainly of rodents.
Habitat and range
Western and central Africa, in grassland, savanna and open woodland.
Appearance and adaptations
Brown patches break up its outline. Adult females are usually larger than males, and the pale underside contrasts with the patterned back.
Diet and behaviour
It is mainly nocturnal and often waits for prey to approach. A rapid strike is followed by constriction before the meal is swallowed.
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Python regius
- A–Z Animals: Ball Python · Directory entry
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