ball python
(Python regius)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Python regius is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Ball python were introduced to the United States through the pet trade as escaped or intentionally released pets in Florida.
Life Cycle
P. regius have dark brown heads with broad, tan eye stripes from the snout to the back of the head. The body is dark brown in coloration with rounded tan blotches and another darker brown blotch inside. P. reguis are oviparous and do not breed every year. Females lay 4-10 eggs and incubate them for 55-60 days. Sexual maturity is based on age and weight with females reaching maturity at 20-36 months and 28 oz (800 grams) and males reaching maturity at 11-18 months and 12 oz (600 grams), respectively.
Distribution
P. regius are not confirmed as established in Florida but is encountered throughout the state.
Control Efforts
Ball pythons are known to harbor many bacteria and parasites that could potentially infect native reptiles.
https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/ballpython.shtml
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW34100.pdf
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw341#FIGURE%209
Python regius is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Ball python were introduced to the United States through the pet trade as escaped or intentionally released pets in Florida.
Life Cycle
P. regius have dark brown heads with broad, tan eye stripes from the snout to the back of the head. The body is dark brown in coloration with rounded tan blotches and another darker brown blotch inside. P. reguis are oviparous and do not breed every year. Females lay 4-10 eggs and incubate them for 55-60 days. Sexual maturity is based on age and weight with females reaching maturity at 20-36 months and 28 oz (800 grams) and males reaching maturity at 11-18 months and 12 oz (600 grams), respectively.
Distribution
P. regius are not confirmed as established in Florida but is encountered throughout the state.
Control Efforts
Ball pythons are known to harbor many bacteria and parasites that could potentially infect native reptiles.
https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/ballpython.shtml
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW34100.pdf
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw341#FIGURE%209
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Family: Pythonidae |
| Genus: Python |
| Python regius |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.