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What Are the Different Ball Python Morphs?

Christian Petersen
Christian Petersen

Ball pythons, also known as royal pythons, are a popular pet for reptile and snake lovers. While ball pythons in nature tend to exhibit a fairly standard pattern of colors and markings, a genetic trait arises occasionally that produces a variation in color or marking patterns. Breeders have encouraged these traits through careful selective breeding programs to produce certain distinctive sets of characteristics, primarily with regard to colors and patterns, that are called morphs. Some examples are yellow belly, axanthic, and piebald.

The variety of morphs provide collectors and enthusiasts with many choices when selecting a ball python. Ball python morphs are generally only available from breeders and some may be difficult to find or very expensive. No agency or organization regulates the specific characteristics of the different ball python morphs, but generally, most breeders and enthusiasts use a fairly standard set of characteristics for each morph. Many morphs have variations within them, and some morphs are similar, but each morph has certain traits or sets of traits that set it aside from others. Morphs may exhibit differences in pattern, color, or both.

Ball pythons are popular pets for snake and reptile lovers.
Ball pythons are popular pets for snake and reptile lovers.

While not all breeders and ball python collectors agree on a comprehensive list of all ball python morphs, certain morphs are fairly well defined, though some may be known by more than one name. Yellow belly pythons exhibit a large amount of yellow coloring, particularly on their sides. Axanthic ball pythons have no yellow pigment, exhibiting mostly grey, whitish, and black colorations. Piebald ball pythons have varying amounts of white coloration, some with a very large percentage of white. Other common ball python morphs include several different pastel morphs, womas, ghosts, granites, and reduced pattern ball pythons.

Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.
Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.

Breeders are introducing new ball python morphs every year as they isolate and breed for ever more unusual or colorful patterns. Most new morphs are named by the breeder who first introduces them. Some of these morphs are extremely rare and are known from only a few individuals or are available only from one breeder. Graziani Reptiles, for example, was the first breeder to introduce a morph known as silver bullet, which is a ball python with an all over grey coloration with very few or no markings or other colors.

Some other ball python morphs are shatter patterns, spider paterns, Mojave, and leopard. These are only a few of the main types of morphs. Striped, pinstripe, spotnose, and champagne are a few of the others. Leucistic ball pythons are a morph with entirely bright white coloring but are not albinos. Many combination morphs are also known, which have characteristics of one or more of the other morphs, such as piebald leopard or leopard pastel. Double and triple combination morphs in a number of varieties are also known.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a ball python morph?

A ball python morph is a genetic variation that results in different colors and patterns in ball pythons. These morphs occur due to mutations that alter the pigmentation and appearance of the snakes. Breeders often selectively breed these pythons to produce unique and visually striking individuals, which has led to over a thousand recognized morphs.

What are some of the most popular ball python morphs?

Among the most sought-after ball python morphs are the Piebald, characterized by its dramatic patches of white; the Banana, known for its yellow and tan coloration; the Spider, with its distinctive web-like pattern; the Mojave, featuring rich, bluish-gray tones; and the Pastel, which enhances the snake's natural colors and softens its patterns.

How does a new ball python morph get created?

New ball python morphs are typically created through selective breeding. Breeders pair snakes with desirable traits, hoping to produce offspring that express these traits in new and unique ways. Sometimes, a genetic mutation occurs spontaneously, and if it's visually appealing or genetically viable, it can be bred into a new morph.

Are there any health concerns associated with certain ball python morphs?

Yes, some ball python morphs are associated with health issues. For example, the Spider morph can exhibit a neurological condition known as the "wobble syndrome," which affects their coordination. Ethical breeders are mindful of these concerns and work to ensure the health and well-being of their snakes.

Can ball python morphs affect the snake's behavior or temperament?

Generally, ball python morphs do not have a significant impact on the snake's behavior or temperament. These traits are more influenced by individual personality, handling, and husbandry practices. However, it's important to note that any health issues linked to a specific morph could indirectly affect the snake's behavior.

How much can a rare ball python morph cost?

The price of a rare ball python morph can vary widely, with some of the most exclusive and uncommon morphs fetching prices upwards of several thousand dollars. Factors influencing the cost include the rarity of the morph, the snake's age, size, health, and the reputation of the breeder.

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    • Ball pythons are popular pets for snake and reptile lovers.
      By: mikemoore88
      Ball pythons are popular pets for snake and reptile lovers.
    • Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.
      Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.