Ball Python (Freeway)

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

Species Overview

• Size: Adults usually reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females often being the larger and bulkier sex. Some females may approach 6 feet.

• Appearance:

  • The Freeway is the visual form of Asphalt × Yellowbelly, a co-dominant complex pairing.

  • It is characterized by bold dorsal striping, broken side patterns, and bright orange/golden flames along the lower sides.

  • Freeways often show contrasting bands of yellow, gold, and orange with dark borders, creating a vibrant and dynamic look.

  • Each individual varies in striping intensity and side colour flaring, making them unique within the morph.

• Distribution: Wild-type ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, occurring across grasslands, savannahs, and agricultural edges.

• Habitat: They are primarily terrestrial burrow-dwellers, spending most of their time in rodent burrows or under cover.

• Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, feeding on small mammals and birds in the wild.

Captive Care

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

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime dips to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are acceptable. Humidity should remain 50–60%, with a humid hide during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles eat hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults typically take medium rats every 10–14 days. Match prey size to the snake’s girth.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Ball pythons are docile, calm, and tolerant of handling, making them a favourite for both beginner and experienced keepers.

• Special Considerations: While morphs affect colour and pattern, all ball pythons require the same core husbandry.

Genetics Note

• Asphalt (Co-Dominant): Produces busy patterns with bright highlights.

• Yellowbelly (Co-Dominant): Enhances brightness, adds flaming, and alters belly pattern.

• Freeway (Asphalt × Yellowbelly): A visual form of this combination, producing snakes with striking striping, side flames, and bold contrast.

• Super Forms: Pairing Freeways with Asphalt or Yellowbelly can create Highways (Gravel × YB) or other BEL complex results, further expanding genetic potential.

The Freeway Ball Python is a foundation designer morph, highly prized for its bright colour, bold patterns, and versatility in combo projects.