Ball Python (Spider Het Enhancer poss Black Head)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python
(Spider = co-dominant morph, Enhancer = recessive line, Black Head = co-dominant morph, possible expression)

Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females often larger and heavier-bodied. Exceptional females may approach 6 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Spider (co-dominant – visual): Expressed here, producing bold, thin, and web-like patterns with clean sides and reduced spotting. Often lightens overall colouration.

  • Enhancer (recessive – het form): Carried as one copy; when visual, Enhancer intensifies colour saturation and sharpens contrast, often compared to Desert Ghost but unique to its own line.

  • Black Head (co-dominant – possible): May or may not be present. When expressed, Black Head darkens base colour, reduces head markings, and enhances contrast.

  • Together, the Spider Het Enhancer poss Black Head is a high-contrast patterned morph with potential for brightened Spider Enhancers or darker, reduced-head Black Head combos depending on genetic proof.

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

• Habitat: A terrestrial, burrow-dwelling species, often occupying rodent tunnels for stable humidity and shelter.

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

Captive Care

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

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temps of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking spot at 88–92°F (31–33°C). Night temps can dip to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Humidity should stay around 50–60%, with slight increases during shedding.

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

• Behaviour in Captivity: Spider morphs are usually docile and easy to manage but are known for the neurological “wobble” trait, which varies in severity and should be considered by keepers.

• Special Considerations: While morphs affect appearance and potential genetic projects, husbandry requirements are the same across all ball python morphs.

Genetics Note

• Spider (Co-Dominant – Visual): Produces thin, web-like patterning and reduced side markings. Always visual in one copy, but also always linked with the neurological “wobble.”

• Enhancer (Recessive – Het Form): Carried as one copy; when visual, sharpens colour and contrast. Often used in multi-gene breeding projects.

• Black Head (Co-Dominant – Possible): May or may not be present. If proven, it darkens the base colour, reduces head markings, and increases contrast.

The Spider Het Enhancer poss Black Head is a genetically versatile project animal, combining Spider’s classic webbing with the potential of Enhancer and Black Head, both of which can greatly amplify contrast and visual impact in future clutches.