A ball python is a medium-bodied, nocturnal constrictor native to West and Central Africa, named for its habit of curling into a ball when threatened. They are typically 3.5–5 feet long, stocky, and have a brown or yellowish-brown patterned body with a lighter belly. Ball pythons are also known for being docile and are popular in the pet trade.
Physical and behavioral traits
Size:
They are a medium-sized snake, averaging 3.5 to 5 feet in length, though females are generally larger than males.
Body:
They have a stocky build with a slender neck, large head, and a short tail.
Coloration:
The most common coloration is a pattern of dark stripes and ovoid shapes on a background of tan, brown, or bluish-brown. The belly is typically ivory or cream-colored.
Defensive behavior:
When stressed, they curl into a tight ball, protecting their head in the center, which is how they got their name.
Activity:
Ball pythons are nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn, dusk, and night.
Hunting:
They are ambush predators that use heat-sensitive pits on their lips to find warm-blooded prey like rodents, then constrict them before swallowing them whole.
Temperament:
They are known for being docile and gentle snakes.
Habitat and diet
