ball python
Coiling defensive reptile
A ball python is a nonvenomous snake native to West and Central Africa, popular as a pet for its docile temperament and manageable size.
The name comes from its defensive behavior of curling into a tight ball when threatened, tucking its head inside the coils.
Also called the royal python.
Easily controlled or taught
- gentleSoft and kind
- calmFree from agitation
- shyReserved and retiring
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
curling · balling · handleable · placid · nonvenomous · harmless · beginner-friendly · stress
Plates or weighing devices
- coilWound circular arrangement
- constrictorSnake killing by compression
- muscularHaving well-developed sinews
- forked tongueSymbol of dishonest speech
ectothermic · cold-blooded · oviparous · vertebrae · ribs · cloaca · spectacle · prehensile
Glass-walled growing enclosure
- enclosureConfined, bordered space
- vivariumEnclosure for living specimens
- heat lampRadiant warming fixture
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
humidity · thermostat · handling · frozen mice · water dish · shedding · tongs · captive
Snake killing by compression
- rodentGnawing mammal order
- miceSmall gnawing mammals
- ratsLong-tailed urban pests
- preyAnimal being hunted
ambush · squeeze · suffocate · carnivore · strike · swallow · digest · regurgitation
Pale, gentle shade
- albinoOne without melanin
- piedHaving patchy coloring
- spiderWeb-spinning arachnid
- bananaCurved tropical fruit
clown · pinstripe · champagne · cinnamon · ghost · butter · lesser · fire
Continent's western bulge
- GhanaWest African republic
- BeninWest African republic
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
termite mound · burrow · tropical · semi-arid · nocturnal · crepuscular · wild-caught · imported
docile
Easily controlled or taught
defensive · curling · balling · handleable · placid · nonvenomous · harmless · beginner-friendly · stress · hissing
scales
Plates or weighing devices
- coilWound circular arrangement
- constrictorSnake killing by compression
- muscularHaving well-developed sinews
forked tongue · ectothermic · cold-blooded · oviparous · vertebrae · ribs · cloaca · spectacle · prehensile · spurs
terrarium
Glass-walled growing enclosure
- enclosureConfined, bordered space
- vivariumEnclosure for living specimens
- heat lampRadiant warming fixture
substrate · humidity · thermostat · handling · frozen mice · water dish · shedding · tongs · captive · husbandry
constrictor
Snake killing by compression
prey · ambush · squeeze · suffocate · carnivore · strike · swallow · digest · regurgitation · fasting
pastel
Pale, gentle shade
banana · clown · pinstripe · champagne · cinnamon · ghost · butter · lesser · fire · yellow belly
West Africa
Continent's western bulge
grassland · termite mound · burrow · tropical · semi-arid · nocturnal · crepuscular · wild-caught · imported · CITES
ball pythonking cobra
Longest venomous serpent
black mamba · venomous snake · green anaconda · fer-de-lance · Burmese python