Python regius is a nonvenomous python species found in Africa.
This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in
the pet trade, largely due to its typically docile temperament.
No subspecies are currently recognized. They are also known as
royal pythons or ball pythons. The name "ball python" refers to
the animal's tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or
frightened. The name "royal python" (from the Latin regius) is
based in part on the story that Cleopatra supposedly wore the
snake around her wrist. Adults generally do not grow to more
than 90–120 cm (3.0–3.9 ft) in length, although some specimens
have reached 152–182 cm (4.99–5.97 ft), but this is very rare.
Females tend to be slightly bigger than males, maturing at an
average of 122–137 cm (4.00–4.49 ft). Males usually average
around 90–107 cm (3.0–3.51 ft). The build is stocky while the
head is relatively small. The scales are smooth and both sexes
have anal spurs on either side of the vent. Although males tend
to have larger spurs, this