What Is a Super Ball Python?

The super ball python is one of the latest designer species in a long line of hybrid ball pythons, each with its own characteristic look and behavior. These snakes are a mix between a ball python and either a blood or Marble Borneo short-tail python, exhibiting a green, black and tan patterning that is a blend of the two species. Reportedly created in 2002 by herpetologists at New York-based Roussis Reptiles, the first official super ball python spawn allegedly hatched in 2005.

Roussis Reptiles' first super ball python was created by ball python and Borneo short-tail python parents. It took three years to produce a clutch of babies. This points to the genetic difficulties inherent in cross-breeding designer snakes for commercial purposes.

Like other more-established python breeds, this new line of snakes could prove to be an improvement on its parents. According to Roussis Reptiles Web site, the hybrid super ball python eats better than ball pythons, does not require stringent humidity controls like blood pythons, and grows faster than either of its parents. It is also capable of creating a new super ball spawn with either parent's breed as well as with other super ball cousins. It can start mating productively as early as 18 months old.

The company that created the super ball python urges care when trying to create the new species at home. Herpetology associations commonly recommend that microchips be implanted in hybrid species, identifying where they were created and by what kind of parents. This tinkering with genetic traits can lead to species degradation in the wild if captive species are released — purposely or accidentally.

It is far from the first time that the ball python, a common reptile pet, has created a new hybrid species. This happens in nature from time to time, but not in such vast and concentrated numbers. The list of hybrid varieties is long, with as many as 56 recognized ball python hybrids and nearly as many waiting for official recognition from established herpetology organizations.

These snakes vary widely in appearance. A piebald ball python, for instance, has patches of pale-white, unpatterned skin that abruptly alternates with the iconic camoflaged patterning of the ball python in other parts of the body. Others have altered coloring or patterning, like the pinstripe, blonde-pastel, Harlequin wide-stripe, calico, yellow-bellied, spider, bumble bee, Mojave, lesser platinum, killer bee and pewter variations. Some are completely white or yellow, with or without any protective patterning.

A Super Ball Python is a designer morph resulting from breeding two Ball Pythons with the same co-dominant gene, often resulting in a snake with enhanced or unique coloration and patterns. These snakes are highly sought after by enthusiasts for their distinctive appearance and rarity in the wild.

Super Ball Pythons are produced when two Ball Pythons carrying the same co-dominant trait are bred together. This pairing increases the likelihood that the offspring will inherit two copies of the co-dominant gene, one from each parent, resulting in the 'Super' form of the morph, which typically exhibits a more pronounced expression of the trait.

Super Ball Pythons have the same care requirements as regular Ball Pythons. They need a warm, humid environment, a proper diet of rodents, and regular handling to remain tame. However, due to their unique genetics, it's essential to source them from reputable breeders to ensure they are healthy and free from genetic issues.

Super Ball Pythons are fully capable of reproduction. When bred with a normal Ball Python, all offspring will carry one copy of the co-dominant gene, making them 'Heterozygous'. Breeding two 'Super' forms can result in all offspring being 'Super', while breeding a 'Super' with a 'Heterozygous' has a 50% chance for each offspring to be 'Super'.

Some of the most popular Super Ball Python morphs include the Super Pastel, Super Mojave, and Super Fire, each known for their striking and unique color patterns. The Super Pastel has a vibrant yellow and green pattern, while the Super Mojave has a clean, bluish-white body, and the Super Fire typically presents a solid white or very light pattern.

There is no significant difference in lifespan between Super Ball Pythons and regular Ball Pythons when provided with proper care. Both can live for 20 to 30 years in captivity, according to experts in herpetology. Genetics play a role in health, but with a suitable habitat, diet, and regular veterinary care, Super Ball Pythons can thrive just as long as their non-Super counterparts.