Ball Python (Pastel Spider Piebald Het Hypo) Python regiusCommon Names: Ball Python, Royal Python(Pied = Piebald, Hypo = Hypomelanistic/Orange Ghost) Species Overview Size: Adults typically grow 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females often being bulkier than males. Some females may reach 6 feet. Appearance: Pastel (co-dominant): Brightens yellow/gold tones, increases contrast, and reduces darker pigmentation. Two copies produce the very bright Super Pastel. Spider (co-dominant): Produces reduced patterning, with bold web-like striping across the body. Often paired with other morphs to enhance contrast and pattern. Pied (recessive – visual): Expressed here, producing dramatic white patches across the body broken by patterned “islands.” Highly variable in expression. Hypo (recessive – het form): Carried here as one copy; when visual, it produces softened tones and a translucent, “ghostly” appearance with reduced black pigmentation. Together, the Pastel Spider Piebald Het Hypo combines bright golden patterning, webbed striping, and bold pied white patches, with the added genetic potential to produce Hypo Pied combinations. Distribution: Wild-type ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, inhabiting savannahs, farmland, and lightly wooded areas. Habitat: A terrestrial and burrow-dwelling species, often using rodent tunnels that provide humidity and stable microclimates. Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, feeding mainly on small mammals and birds. Captive Care Enclosure: Adults thrive in a 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or equivalent. Provide hides on both warm and cool sides, climbing décor, and a water bowl large enough for soaking. Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temps of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime temps may dip to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Keep humidity at 50–60%, with slightly higher levels during shedding. Diet: Juveniles should be offered hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults typically thrive on medium rats every 10–14 days. Match prey size to the snake’s girth. Behaviour in Captivity: Like other ball pythons, Pastel Spider Pieds are docile, manageable, and thrive in captivity, making them a good choice for keepers of all levels. Special Considerations: The Spider gene is associated with a neurological condition known as “wobble”, which varies in severity but is always present. While it rarely affects long-term health, it should be considered in breeding decisions. Genetics Note Pastel (Co-Dominant): Enhances brightness and contrast; two copies form the vivid Super Pastel. Spider (Co-Dominant): Produces reduced webbed patterns and bold striping, though linked to the wobble trait. Pied (Recessive – Visual): Produces bold white patches with patterned islands; highly variable in appearance. Hypo (Recessive – Het Form): This animal carries one copy; when visual, it produces softened tones and a translucent look. The Pastel Spider Piebald Het Hypo is a highly visual morph that blends three powerful traits, producing a snake with striking contrast and strong genetic potential for Hypo Pied projects.
Related
Related
Related
Related