Ball Python (Banana Pied) Python regiusCommon Names: Ball Python, Royal Python Species Overview Size: Adults average 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females generally larger and heavier-bodied than males. Some females may occasionally reach 6 feet. Appearance: The Banana Pied combines two visually powerful morphs: Banana produces a golden-yellow base with lavender undertones and dark speckling that develops over time. Piebald introduces bold, irregular white patches across the body, broken up by patterned “islands” of colour.Together, these traits create a high-contrast snake with vibrant yellows and purples set against clean white piebald sections. Each individual’s pattern is unique, with some being high-white (mostly white with small patches) and others low-white (mostly coloured with small white patches). Distribution: Native to West and Central Africa, where wild-type ball pythons live in savannahs, grasslands, and agricultural zones. Habitat: Found in savannahs and farmlands, often in rodent burrows or other underground retreats. Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, feeding mainly on small mammals and birds. Captive Care Enclosure: A 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or similar enclosure is suitable for most adults. Provide at least two hides (warm and cool), climbing enrichment, and a water dish large enough for soaking. Temperature & Humidity: Keep a gradient of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are acceptable. Humidity should remain around 50–60%, with a humid hide offered during shed cycles. Diet: Juveniles eat hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults are typically fed medium rats every 10–14 days. Prey should be proportionate to the snake’s girth. Behaviour in Captivity: Ball pythons are docile, slow-moving, and tolerant of handling, making them one of the most popular snakes in captivity. Special Considerations: While morphs change appearance dramatically, husbandry needs are the same as for wild-type ball pythons. Genetics Note Banana (Co-Dominant): Produces yellow-to-golden coloration with lavender contrast and dark speckling as the snake matures. Piebald (Recessive): Creates irregular, unpigmented white patches across the body. Requires two copies of the gene to be visually expressed. Banana Pied: The combination yields a visually striking snake with vibrant colouration broken by dramatic white patches, with pattern placement unique to each individual.
