What is a Royal Python?

A royal python is a type of heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake native to central Africa. More commonly known as a ball python in the United States, the royal python is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. The scientific name for this species is Python regius.

One of the smallest of the python species, the royal only reaches 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) in length. The females are usually longer and thicker than the males, with larger heads. Their dark brown or blue-brown skin has large blotchy light brown or yellow patterns. Shading varies among snakes, and albino color morphs are sometimes present, particularly in captive bred pythons. This species is called the ball python because the snake's defense mechanism is to curl into a tight ball, hiding its head.

Possibly the longest-living snake species, the royal python may can live up to 40 years. The oldest recorded royal python was 47 and a half years old. On average, they live about 20–30 years and will generally survive longer in captivity than in the wild.

Once reaching maturity at three or four years, the royal python begins to reproduce. The female lays two to ten eggs, most commonly six. Unusual to snakes, pythons actually incubate their eggs by curling around the clutch and then twitching their muscles to create heat. She will incubate her eggs for approximately 90 days before the babies hatch. Newborn snakes measure about 14–17 inches (35.5–43.2 cm) upon hatching.

Extremely popular in the pet trade, royal pythons have been exported from Africa to regions worldwide. Docile and easy to care for, ball pythons are good for beginning snake owners. Pet snakes may be captive bred or wild caught. Wild-caught snakes do not adapt well to life in captivity and tend not to recognize non-native food sources, so many wild-caught python owners will find it hard to convince the snake to eat. Conversely, captive-bred pythons do very well in captivity and eat live mice or rats on a weekly basis.

Because of their popularity as pets, wild royal pythons are considered threatened. This status is particularly a concern because these pythons are important to their native ecosystems — both because they serve to keep small mammals and birds under control and because they are a food source for some Africa cat species and birds of prey. The pet trade is not the only cause for the decline of the wild ball python, however. Indigenous people also frequently eat them for food and hunt them for their skins.

A Royal Python, also known as a Ball Python, is a non-venomous constrictor snake native to sub-Saharan Africa. It's known for its docile nature and unique defense mechanism of curling into a ball when threatened, hence the name. They typically grow to about 4-5 feet in length and can live up to 30 years in captivity.

The name "Royal Python" comes from the belief that African royalty wore these snakes as jewelry due to their calm demeanor and attractive patterns. Their regal bearing and the historical association with African nobility have contributed to this moniker, distinguishing them from other python species.

Royal Pythons are carnivorous and primarily feed on small mammals and birds. In captivity, their diet consists of appropriately sized rodents, like mice or rats, which are typically offered dead to prevent injury to the snake. Juveniles eat more frequently, while adults may eat only once every few weeks.

Caring for a Royal Python involves providing a secure enclosure with appropriate temperature gradients (between 75-90°F) and humidity levels (50-60%). They require a hide box for stress reduction and a substrate for burrowing. Regular feeding, clean water, and occasional handling are also important for their well-being.

Royal Pythons are considered good pets due to their manageable size, docile nature, and relatively simple care requirements. They are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced reptile enthusiasts. However, potential owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment, as these snakes can live for several decades.

Royal Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Mating typically occurs after a period of brumation, which is similar to hibernation. Females lay clutches of 3-11 eggs and exhibit maternal behavior by coiling around them to regulate temperature until they hatch, which takes about 60 days.