The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to Africa. Its name derives from its tendency to curl into a tight "ball" when threatened.
It is a popular Exotic pet, sometimes recommended as a "beginner snake," because it is docile and grows to the manageable size of 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.6 meters).
Ball Pythons have somewhat of a reputation for being picky eaters, but this is much more of a problem with snakes caught from the wild rather than captive-born.
They are nocturnal and can live up to 50 years in captivity if cared for properly, though 20-30 years is much more common.