Ball python: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:32, 6 September 2005

Revision as of 15:31, 8 September 2005

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{{Taxobox_section_binomial_parens | color = pink | binomial_name = Python regius | author = [[George Shaw|Shaw]] | date = [[1802]]}}

{{Taxobox_end}}

The '''Ball Python''' (''Python regius''), also known as the '''Royal Python''', is a ground dwelling [[snake]] native to the savannahs and rain forests in western [[Africa]]. Its name derives from its tendency to curl into a tight "ball" to protect it'sits head on the inside when threatened. They are usually brown and black in color. As adults will they can range from 3 to 6 [[feet]] (90 to 180 [[centimeter]]s) in length. They reach sexual maturity at 3 to 5 years, and live more than 20 years. The oldest recorded Ball Python reached 48 years of age in captivity.

[[Python]]s and [[Boa]]s, including Ball Pythons, have [[anal spurs]], which are single claws appearing on either side of the vent are the vestigial remains of the hind legs snakes lost during their evolution from lizards. The spurs on males are longer than those on females.