Royal Python

The Ball python , also known as the Royal python, is a ground dwelling, nonvenomous snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominantly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The name Ball derives from its tendency, that when stressed, to curl into a tight "ball" with their heads hidden inside, often for long periods of time. The name Royal comes, in part, from Cleopatra who supposedly wore them around her wrists. They are typically light brown-green and black in color, with a tan-yellow underbelly. However, Ball pythons come in many morphs, which are genetic mutations that alter the colors and patterns of the scales. Adults can range from 3 to over 6 feet in length, with the average female reaching 3 to 5 feet and the average male reaching 2 to 3 feet. A mature female will commonly grow distinctly larger than the male. Ball pythons reach sexual maturity from 18 months to 4 years, and live more than 20-40 years, with the oldest recorded Royal Python reached over 40 years of age in captivity.