Ball python

Python Regius

Irish Name: Píotón Ríoga
IUCN Status: Least Concern

Ball pythons are nonvenomous constrictor snakes. They have large black or brown markings with lighter brown patches. Each Ball python has a unique pattern of markings. Their underside is generally white. Adult female Ball pythons are larger than males.

Ball python

Python Regius

Irish Name: Píotón Ríoga
IUCN Status: Least Concern

Ball pythons are nonvenomous constrictor snakes. They have large black or brown markings with lighter brown patches. Each Ball python has a unique pattern of markings. Their underside is generally white. Adult female Ball pythons are larger than males.

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

Ball pythons live in Western and Central Africa in tropical grasslands and savannas (flat, dry grasslands). They often live in burrows.

How long do they live?

20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in zoos.

What do they eat?

Ball pythons are carnivores (eat meat). They eat small mammals such as gerbils, rats, mice, shrews and occasionally birds.

Closest related species / sister species

The closest relatives of the Ball python are other members of the Python genus including the Burmese python and the Indian python.

Animal class

Reptilia

Animal order

Squamata

Fun facts

Royal name

Ball pythons got their name because African rulers used to wear living pythons as jewellery.

Playing ball

Ball pythons get their names because they curl themselves into a ball when they feel threatened. This keeps the head protected in the centre of the coil.

Head pits

Ball pythons have a series of ‘heat pits’ on each side of their mouth. This allows them to locate their prey by sensing the heat the prey gives out.

Royal python DZ
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Family Life

Ball pythons are solitary (mostly live alone). Females wrap around their eggs to protect them and incubate them using a shivering motion. Hatchlings are immediately able to look after themselves.

Baby name

Hatchling

Gestation (pregnancy) period

Eggs usually hatch after 55-60 days

Number of young at birth

1-11 eggs

Weight at birth

30-70g on average

Age at maturity

In the wild, the female matures between 20-36 months. The male reaches sexual maturity between 11-18 months.

Adult size

90-180cm

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Conservation

IUCN status Least Concern

The Ball python is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Current population estimate

Unknown

Threats

The main threat to Ball pythons is capture for the pet trade. They are also hunted for their meat and skin.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo educates our visitors about the natural world with the aim of inspiring in them a love of nature and enabling them to act positively for conservation.

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FAQs

  • How long do Ball pythons live?

    20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in zoos.

  • Do Ball pythons bite?

    Ball pythons have a nonvenomous bite that they use when threatened.

  • Are Ball pythons venomous?

    They are nonvenomous constrictors.

  • Do Ball pythons have teeth?

    Ball pythons have sharp teeth that face backwards to help them hold onto prey.

  • Do Ball pythons hibernate?

    When it gets very hot, Ball pythons go underground and reduce their metabolic rate. They do this to keep cool. This is called aestivation.

  • How big can a Ball python get?

    90-180cm

  • How long can a Ball python go without eating?

    A Ball python can survive months without eating. It can do this by reducing its metabolic rate.

  • How many eggs does a Ball python lay?

    1-11 eggs

  • Where are Ball pythons from?

    Western and Central Africa.

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