Coloration
As their name suggests, banana ball pythons have a vibrant yellow coloration that set them apart from other morphs of the species. The bright yellow spots are the easiest point of identification, but their bodies can be a basic tan to ethereal lilac and everything in between. They are also a lot thicker than many other ball pythons.
This unique morph was only achieved through years of tireless experimentation in breeding the different colors of the ball python together. While a few banana snakes have been found in the wild, this is still very rare for a reptile with such distinct coloring.
Banana ball pythons are one of the most popular designer morphs of the ball python. As such, they aren’t as common as other python morphs that have been around for longer, but they are still very common in the pet trade. As a result, their prices are often quite reasonable. However, the popularity of these snakes has also led to them being targeted by poachers for the skin and pet trade. While they aren’t considered endangered, the numbers of these pythons are constantly decreasing.
Behavior
Despite their vibrant coloration, banana ball pythons remain docile animals. Their calm demeanor makes them ideal pets for beginners and experienced handlers alike. They will typically coil comfortably around their owners when they are being handled, allowing them to be stroked or petted with ease. Proper handling techniques can also help them build trust with their humans and reduce stress during feeding sessions.
Like other members of their species, banana ball pythons exhibit adaptability when it comes to habitat. They can survive in both grasslands and forests, but are more likely to thrive in environments with plenty of hiding spots. They will use these nooks to thermoregulate during the day and huddle in them at night.
These snakes are oviparous, meaning females lay clutches of six to twelve eggs after mating. The offspring will then fledge and grow to their adult size.
Banana ball pythons have become one of the most popular morphs in captivity, thanks to their captivating appearance and calming demeanor. Responsible breeding practices can help these snakes reach their full potential, ensuring that they continue to delight reptile enthusiasts and other animal lovers. However, the popularity of these snakes can also put them at risk of depleting wild populations. Fortunately, breeders raise most of these animals for the pet trade, which alleviates some of this pressure.
Care
Ball pythons are solitary creatures that should be housed in their own secure enclosure. Young snakes need a tank that’s 10-20 gallons, and pet parents need to increase the habitat size as the snake grows. All enclosures should be well-ventilated and have a screened lid to prevent the snake from escaping. As a nocturnal animal, the snake should be fed at night, and it will need a hiding place in its habitat where it can escape from light or heat during the day.
Banana ball pythons are a popular choice for pet owners because of their relatively calm natures. They’re shy and rarely bite, though they do curl into a tight ball if feeling threatened. Their stout bodies are four to five feet long, and they have a triangular head with backward-facing fangs. Males are slightly larger than females.
Unlike some reptile species, banana ball pythons do not need UVB lighting. As carnivorous animals that eat whole prey items, they obtain all the vitamin D they need from their diets. Some breeders still use the lighting to help their snakes shed better, and to encourage higher vitamin D levels in the snakes’ blood, but it is not essential for their survival.
Keep in mind that, like all reptiles, banana ball pythons are susceptible to a variety of infections. Some common ones include mouth rot and respiratory infections. Other potential health issues include Inclusion Body Disorder, a viral disease that spreads from one snake to another and can cause neurological problems like “stargazing” or incoordination.
Genetics
Banana ball pythons are one of the most popular snake morphs on the market. However, they are not the only color variation that exists in this species. Using tireless experimentation, breeders produced other morphs such as the banana clown and banana spider. These unique colors are a result of dominant and recessive genes that have been bred into this species over time.
These unique morphs do not appear in the wild. In fact, banana pythons only exist because of human intervention. These pythons are not considered endangered, but they do face some risk of poaching for their skin and pet trade.
This snake species is native to West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands, shrubland, and open forests. Its mottled coloration and patterning helps it blend in with its habitat to avoid prey and predators. The rectilinear movement of the python also allows it to move without being detected by its predators.
When keeping this species at home, it is important to keep its tank temperature and humidity at a level that mimics its natural environment. These pythons require a temperature between 86 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tank should have a basking rock close to the heat source for them to enjoy.
It is also a good idea to mist the tank on a daily basis in order to maintain a high level of humidity. This will prevent the tank from drying out and help the snake maintain a healthy habitat.
