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Here, we have a ball python. Its scientific name is python regius. They are native to
grasslands and savannas of central and southern Africa. It is a small species and adults can
live to about twenty years and they can grow three to four feet long. However in captivity
they can live slightly longer and can grow an additional two feet. You can tell that
this snake is going through a molting phase, which means he's shedding his skin, because
his color is less iridescent and you can see that his eye lens looks a little bit like
aluminum foil. Usually you can tell when your snake is about to molt, because the color
change and your snake will maybe not want to eat as often, and they will often become
slightly more aggressive, because the lens cap is disrupted and they can't see as well.
Mating wise, these snakes are oviparous meaning they lay clutches of eggs, four to six eggs
is common, with a ninety day incubation period. This snake is a constrictor, meaning it suffocates
its prey by coiling its tail and its body and constricting their pray. You can tell
- it's got a key characteristic from the fact that it is very heavy bodied and it has
strong musculature. This snake finds its prey which is generally small rodents by using
these labial heat pits, found on its upper jaw. It also uses its Jacobson organ, which
is found on the inside of its upper jaw, and its tongue to pass odors, particulars over
for identification. An interesting defense mechanism that this snake possesses, is when
it becomes frightened or threatened it can coil its body into a tight, tight ball and
it will hide its head in the ball so predators cannot reach it. Pet owners often think it's
funny to roll their python across their floor, giving them their name the Ball Python.