Ball Python (Blue Eyed Leucistic)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python, BEL Ball Python

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Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically grow 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females usually larger and bulkier than males. Some females may approach 6 feet.

• Appearance: The Blue Eyed Leucistic (BEL) is one of the most striking ball python morphs, producing a snake that is entirely white or creamy-white with blue to gray eyes. Some individuals may retain faint yellow or beige markings depending on the exact gene combination. BELs are created by certain co-dominant morph pairings (most commonly Mojave × Lesser, Mojave × Butter, Lesser × Lesser, etc.). Their clean, uniform appearance makes them one of the most popular morphs in the hobby.

• Distribution: Native to West and Central Africa, where wild-type ball pythons are widespread.

• Habitat: Found in savannahs, grasslands, and agricultural edges, where they spend most of their time in burrows or hiding under cover.

• Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, preying on small mammals and birds.

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Captive Care

• Enclosure: A 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or equivalent works for most adults. Provide at least two hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side), climbing décor, and a water bowl large enough for soaking.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Night drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are fine. Humidity should stay around 50–60%, with a humid hide provided during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles eat hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults thrive on medium rats every 10–14 days. Prey should be appropriately sized to the girth of the snake.

• Behaviour in Captivity: BELs, like all ball pythons, are docile, calm, and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced keepers.

• Special Considerations: Despite their unique appearance, husbandry requirements remain identical to wild-type ball pythons.

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Genetics Note

• Blue Eyed Leucistic (Co-Dominant Complex): A product of certain morph combinations within the “blue-eyed complex” (Mojave, Lesser, Butter, Russo, Phantom, etc.). When two genes from this complex are paired, they can produce an all-white snake with blue eyes.

• Example Pairings:

  • Mojave × Lesser

  • Mojave × Butter

  • Lesser × Lesser

  • Mojave × Mojave (also called Super Mojave, which may have faint head or dorsal markings)

• BELs are not a single morph, but rather the visual result of compatible gene pairings within the complex.