Ball Python (Ultramel Het Cryptic)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python
(Ultramel = recessive morph, Cryptic = recessive morph, het form carried)

Species Overview

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

• Appearance:

  • Ultramel (recessive – visual): A vibrant colour morph that replaces black pigment with rich oranges, caramels, and copper tones, creating a warm, high-contrast snake.

  • Cryptic (recessive – het form): Carried here as one copy; when visual, Cryptic resembles Clown, with reduced, centralized patterning, bold dorsal striping, and a distinctive head stamp.

  • Together, the Ultramel Het Cryptic is a bright, high-colour morph with strong potential for creating striking double-recessive combos such as Ultramel Cryptics or Crypton Ultramels.

• Distribution: Wild-type ball pythons originate from West and Central Africa, living in savannahs, agricultural zones, and lightly forested areas.

• Habitat: Primarily terrestrial and burrow-dwelling, most often found in rodent tunnels that provide humidity, shelter, and security.

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

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or equivalent suits most adults. Provide secure hides at both the 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 of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime temps can dip to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Keep humidity at 50–60%, with slight increases during shedding.

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

• Behaviour in Captivity: Ultramel Het Cryptics are docile, calm, and hardy, sharing the easygoing disposition of most ball pythons.

• Special Considerations: While genetics affect appearance and breeding potential, husbandry requirements remain identical across all ball python morphs.

Genetics Note

• Ultramel (Recessive – Visual): Produces rich orange, copper, and caramel tones by removing dark pigmentation.

• Cryptic (Recessive – Het Form): Carried as one copy; when visual, produces pattern reduction and a distinct head stamp similar to Clown.

• Ultramel Het Cryptic: A powerful double-gene project animal capable of producing Ultramel Cryptics (“Crypton Ultramels”) when paired with the right partners.

The Ultramel Het Cryptic Ball Python is highly prized as both a standalone visual morph and a breeding investment, especially for projects aiming at double- and triple-recessive combinations.