Spider is a ball python morph that is unique.
Because of their white speckling and thin black bands, spider ball pythons can be easily identified. Although there are no identical markings between morphs, they share a reduced amount of striping and spotting.
Unfortunately, the same gene responsible for spider patterns can also cause neurological problems. These issues can cause headaches and loss of coordination. These issues are also known as “spider wobble” and “wobble syndrome”.
Continue reading if you are determined to purchase a spider morph python. We provide in-depth information on how to care for them, their husbandry, and handling.
What is a Spider Ball Python?
Spider ball Pythons are a type ball Python morph. Their cobwebby-scale pattern and smooth coloration made them popular in their first breeding in 1999.
They are highly sought-after by both professional and hobbyist snake keepers due to their easily recognizable spider design. These pythons may have bold spider patterns, or very few depending on the breeding.
They are loved by many people around the globe and still widely bred.
The spider morph is a dominant trait. This means that only one parent must have a copy of this gene in order for the pattern to be passed on to its offspring. The spider trait will always be present. This allows spider ball pythons a wide range of colors and markings.
- Leopard spider
- Albino spider
- Killer bees or the Bumblebee
This morph is not without controversy.
A third of suffer from a neurological condition known as the “spider wobble”.
Affected snakes may have difficulty balancing and poor coordination. They will also twist their heads in a pattern called corkscrewing. Wobble syndrome can make it difficult for snakes to do their natural activities like climbing and eating.
Because of potential welfare and health issues, some herpetologists advocate for the ban on this morph. These morphs remain popular and can still be purchased from most breeders.
Spider Ball Pythons: What We Love About Them
Pros
- Each snake will have a unique, distinctive pattern.
- Available in a wide range of colors and at a reasonable price for designer morphs.
- Easy to care for docile species.
Cons
- A third of those with neurological problems are mild-to-severe.
- Hobbyists call for the banning of spider pythons
- Two spider morphs can be bred together to produce nonviable eggs.
Spider Morph Markings & Appearance
This morph’s spiderweb appearance is what gave it its name. The spider morph is different from other morphs like banana or albino. It has the same color as regular, wild-type, ball pythons. This morph is actually a pattern morph. It affects the black areas of a ball Python.
Wild-type pythons are known for their thick, regular black and brown bands. Spider ball pythons are distinguished by their thin, connected black bars at their sides and back. This spider pattern is distinctive to this morph, and can be used to identify them.
Hypomelanism is responsible for the pattern. Hypomelanism is when the snake produces lower levels melanin. This brown and black pigment results in the characteristic black bands.
The size of spider pythons varies depending on how they sex.
Both males and females hatch at 10-17 inches. However, males reach only 2-3 feet when they are mature. Females can reach 5 feet.
Spider Ball Python Care Sheet
You shouldn’t expect your snake to explore its new environment immediately after you bring it home. Allow your snake to adjust to its surroundings for three days by leaving it alone in its tank.
To protect their neck and head, ball Pythons who are nervous or scared will curl into a ball. They might also wrap their arms tightly around objects.
You can then slowly start to interact and move up to handling. Your snake may be more comfortable being outside its enclosure.
Early interactions with your snake will encourage it to adjust quickly.
Spider ball pythons behave just like wild-type Ball Pythons, but are more shy than wild-type Ball Pythons. However, people with wobbles may be more susceptible to frustration and stress. It is important that you know your morph’s temperament.
Diet
Ball Python Feeding
In the wild, ball pythons hunt rodents and birds mainly. Males are more adept climbers and hunt more birds than females. Pythons are carnivores, and they don’t eat plants.
They are called ambush predators. This means that they wait patiently for their prey to pass. They wrap their prey around their coils and then swallow it whole.
Ball pythons aren’t active hunters so they eat very little.
Growing juveniles must eat one meal per week, while adults need to eat only once every two weeks.
The diet of a spiderball python’s spider ball python will be the same as any other ball Python.
Pre-killed mice or rats should be fed to your pythons. Their size will determine what you feed them. Your snake’s maximum size should not exceed the largest point on its body.
Spider ball pythons with moderate wobble syndrome might have difficulty striking prey accurately. Tongs can be used to steady the mouse or rat in moderate cases. If the prey still fails to move, you can try moving it closer or gently bumping against your snake’s lips. They may not be able eat in severe cases.
Keep a bowl full of clean water with your python.
Wobble Syndrome & Other Health Problems
The wobble trait is not possible to breed the spider ball Python. The neurological issues and the spider pattern are genetically related. Every ball python that has the spider pattern will exhibit some wobbliness.
Spider wobble is one of the main symptoms of corkscrewing or swaying.
Corkscrewing occurs when the snake turns its head and neck in an angling motion. It may also turn its head upside-down. Swaying can occur as a side-to-side movement or a complete shaking of the head.
It is impossible to predict how severe wobble syndrome will be.
Some spider ball Pythons have a bad wobble when they hatch, while others may develop it or lose it. The wobble can be temporarily worsened by stressful or exciting events, such as handling or feeding.
Keep your snake in a calm environment to prevent wobble. Opaque sides are better than a clear tank.
Although wobble syndrome can be very severe, spider ball Pythons seem to live as long as regular ball pythons. They are also susceptible to common ball python health issues like mites and respiratory infections. Young tiger spider python
Attachment
Wild ball pythons can be found in the forests and grasslands of Central and West Africa.
They are slow-moving snakes and can thrive in a terrarium.
Because they are mostly sedentary, it is common to believe that they can be kept small tanks. Although they don’t require a large terrarium, spiderball pythons do need space to move around. They are much more active than most people realize.
Adults should be kept in 60-gallon plastic containers or PVC enclosures with opaque sides. To make your glass tank feel secure, cover it with lots of covers and hides.
To mimic a night-time and daytime cycle, ball pythons require a basking lamp that can be used for 12 hours per day. To create a hot spot , place the lamp on one side of your tank. This will help your snake to digest food and maintain its metabolism.
These snakes love moderate humidity and warm temperatures.
The temperature of the hot spot should hover between 88 and 92°F, while the temperature on the tank’s cool side should stay between 77 and 82°F. To maintain 72 degrees at night, you can use a ceramic heat lamp to keep temperatures above 72 degrees.
The humidity should not exceed 50-60%. This is typically maintained by evaporation from a water bowl.
Spider ball pythons love topsoil, cypress Mulch, and reptile carpet. You don’t need to cover the substrate too deeply as they won’t burrow. To cover the tank’s entire bottom, add three inches of compacted, clean substrate.
Avoid pine wood shavings and cedar, as they are toxic to snakes.
The Normal Behavior
This species is even-tempered, shy, and prefer a quiet environment with a steady routine.
Spider ball pythons can be friendly, docile snakes and are active most at night, dawn, and dusk.
They are happy to live alone and will only pair up to mate from September to December. The females stay with the eggs after they are bred, but the babies will go on their own once they hatch.
If they feel threatened, ball pythons will open up their mouths to warn you.
They will curl up in a tight ball until they are left alone if you bother them further. Their defensive nature is the reason they are called that.
They are especially loved by beginner snake owners for their calm temperament and lackadaisical nature.
Your Python will spend a lot time in a hidebox. Although you might not see your snake in the daylight, the lights will turn off and it will become more active. They love climbing and will climb up and down any branches or decor in their enclosure.
Ball pythons can be handled easily and are quick to adapt to being out and about.
The slight stress of handling spider ball pythons can sometimes lead to their “wobbling”. Each spider is different and will react differently to handling. Some spiders are happy to be held while others do not.
If your snake begins to sway or corkscrew, you can return it to its enclosure.
What is the Price of a Spider Ball Python?
Based on the genetics of the spider ball python, the price for a morph can vary.
The spider pattern is a dominant characteristic, which means it can be mixed and matched to many other morphs.
A basic spider morph typically costs between $250 and 400. However, you can get specialty morphs such as bumblebee and leopard spiders for more than $5,000.
They are highly sought after. Many breeders have specialized bred them with many morph crosses available for sale. These snakes are available for sale at reptile shows and online.
Before buying a snake, it is vital that you inspect the snake. This is particularly important for spider ball Pythons as you can see how they wobble.
A healthy spider python will have clear eyes and glossy scales. It should have a healthy appetite, a triangular body when viewed from the front and well-developed muscles.
| Species Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Spider Morph |
| Scientific Name | Python Regius |
| Price | $250 to $400 |
| Size | 3 – 5 feet long |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Rodents |
| Tank Size | 60-gallon tank |
| Humidity and Temperature | Temperature: 77 – 92degF Humidity: 50 – 60% |
| Alternatives Popular | Corn snakes and milk snakes are some of the king snakes. |
Summary
The spider ball Python is a beautiful and unique morph that has seen its popularity grow since it was first introduced in 1999.
Spider morphs are very thin and have connected black bands. This cobweb-like appearance has made them very popular among hobbyists and ball python breeders.
The genetic “wobble syndrome” that is associated with the spider-morph has been controversial. Corkscrewing and swaying are the neurological symptoms. Each spider morph will exhibit some level of wobbility, so it is still controversial whether they should be banned from breeding.
Ball pythons can be docile and are easy to care for. As an adult, they can be kept in a 60 gallon tank with a large water bowl and a basking bulb.
Do you feel that spider ball pythons should be banned or are you addicted to them? Please let us know by commenting below.
