Ball Python (Pastel Spider Piebald Het Hypo)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python
(Pied = Piebald, Hypo = Hypomelanistic/Orange Ghost)

Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically grow 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females often being bulkier than males. Some females may reach 6 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Pastel (co-dominant): Brightens yellow/gold tones, increases contrast, and reduces darker pigmentation. Two copies produce the very bright Super Pastel.

  • Spider (co-dominant): Produces reduced patterning, with bold web-like striping across the body. Often paired with other morphs to enhance contrast and pattern.

  • Pied (recessive – visual): Expressed here, producing dramatic white patches across the body broken by patterned “islands.” Highly variable in expression.

  • Hypo (recessive – het form): Carried here as one copy; when visual, it produces softened tones and a translucent, “ghostly” appearance with reduced black pigmentation.

  • Together, the Pastel Spider Piebald Het Hypo combines bright golden patterning, webbed striping, and bold pied white patches, with the added genetic potential to produce Hypo Pied combinations.

• Distribution: Wild-type ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, inhabiting savannahs, farmland, and lightly wooded areas.

• Habitat: A terrestrial and burrow-dwelling species, often using rodent tunnels that provide humidity and stable microclimates.

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

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults thrive in a 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or equivalent. Provide hides on both warm and cool sides, climbing décor, and a water bowl large enough for soaking.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temps of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime temps may dip to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Keep humidity at 50–60%, with slightly higher levels during shedding.

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

• Behaviour in Captivity: Like other ball pythons, Pastel Spider Pieds are docile, manageable, and thrive in captivity, making them a good choice for keepers of all levels.

• Special Considerations: The Spider gene is associated with a neurological condition known as “wobble”, which varies in severity but is always present. While it rarely affects long-term health, it should be considered in breeding decisions.

Genetics Note

• Pastel (Co-Dominant): Enhances brightness and contrast; two copies form the vivid Super Pastel.

• Spider (Co-Dominant): Produces reduced webbed patterns and bold striping, though linked to the wobble trait.

• Pied (Recessive – Visual): Produces bold white patches with patterned islands; highly variable in appearance.

• Hypo (Recessive – Het Form): This animal carries one copy; when visual, it produces softened tones and a translucent look.

The Pastel Spider Piebald Het Hypo is a highly visual morph that blends three powerful traits, producing a snake with striking contrast and strong genetic potential for Hypo Pied projects.