The python, one of the most captivating species in the reptile kingdom, has always fascinated nature enthusiasts with its striking appearance and unique characteristics. Among the various python morphs, the lesser ball python stands out as an extraordinary and stunning variation.
Not only is the super lesser ball python visually appealing, but it also possesses a docile and friendly temperament, making it an ideal choice for reptile enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its calm nature and manageable size make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced snake keepers.
Whether you are a snake enthusiast or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, the super lesser ball python is a must-have addition to any collection. With its unique appearance and gentle demeanor, this captivating reptile morph is sure to leave you in awe.
What is a Super Lesser Ball Python?
Physical Characteristics
Super Lesser Ball Pythons share several physical characteristics with their parent species. They have a slender body with a smooth, glossy appearance. These pythons typically grow to be around 3-5 feet in length, although some individuals can reach up to 6 feet.
Another notable physical characteristic of the Super Lesser Ball Python is its eyes. Unlike the typical brown or black eyes of other ball python morphs, the Super Lesser has mesmerizing blue eyes. This adds to their overall attractiveness and appeal.
Genetics and Breeding
The genetic inheritance of the Super Lesser Ball Python is a recessive trait. This means that both parent pythons must carry the Lesser gene in order to produce Super Lesser offspring. Breeding two Super Lesser Ball Pythons will result in a clutch of entirely Super Lesser offspring.
Physical Characteristics of the Super Lesser Ball Python
The Super Lesser Ball Python is a unique and stunning reptile that belongs to the Pythonidae family. It is a morph of the Ball Python species, known for its beautiful colors and patterns. The Super Lesser Ball Python has distinct physical characteristics that set it apart from other ball pythons.
The body of the Super Lesser Ball Python is slender and elongated, with a smooth and glossy appearance. They have a rectangular-shaped head with a sharp, pointy snout. The eyes are large and round, providing them with excellent vision, especially in low light conditions.
One of the standout physical characteristics of the Super Lesser Ball Python is its unique coloration and pattern. This morph is known for its stunning combination of light, pastel colors. The base color of the body is usually a creamy yellow or light brown, with varying shades of darker brown and light gray forming a beautiful pattern of irregular blotches and stripes along the body.
Mating and Reproduction
Super Lesser Ball Pythons reach sexual maturity between two to three years of age, depending on their size and overall health. Like other python species, the Super Lesser Ball Python is an oviparous reptile, meaning it lays eggs to reproduce.
During the mating season, which typically occurs in the early spring, males actively seek out females by following their scent trails. Once a male finds a receptive female, he will use his spurs to gently stroke her body, stimulating her to mate. The male then coils his body around the female and inserts one of his hemipenes (reproductive organs) into her cloaca, transferring sperm.
After mating, the female Super Lesser Ball Python will go through a gestation period of about 28-40 days. Once the eggs are fully developed, the female will find a suitable nesting spot, usually a warm and humid area, to lay her eggs. She will curl her body around the eggs to protect them and provide them with warmth.
The incubation period for the eggs lasts around 55-60 days, during which time the female will remain near the nest, ensuring the eggs are kept at the optimal temperature and humidity levels. Once the hatchlings begin to emerge from their eggs, the female will leave them to fend for themselves, as ball pythons are not known for their parental care.
The Super Lesser Ball Python is a fascinating reptile with captivating physical characteristics and unique breeding behaviors. Its distinctive coloration and pattern make it a highly sought-after morph among reptile enthusiasts, and its relatively small size and low-maintenance care requirements make it an ideal pet for both beginners and experienced keepers.
Color Morphs of the Super Lesser Ball Python
The Super Lesser Ball Python is a unique and stunning reptile morph that showcases a wide range of color variations. These color morphs make them highly sought after among reptile enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The Ball Python
The Lesser Ball Python
The Lesser Ball Python is a specific morph of the Ball Python that displays reduced black pigmentation. This results in a beautifully patterned snake with lighter brown or tan colors and distinct markings.
| Color Morph | Description |
|---|---|
| Super Lesser | The Super Lesser Ball Python is a combination of the Lesser Ball Python gene with other morphs, resulting in even lighter colors and reduced pattern contrast. These snakes typically have a creamy or yellowish body with minimal black markings. |
| Super Lesser Pastel | The Super Lesser Pastel Ball Python combines the Lesser Ball Python gene with the Pastel gene, resulting in a snake with lighter colors and increased pattern contrast. These snakes often exhibit vibrant yellow, orange, and brown tones. |
| Super Lesser Enchi | The Super Lesser Enchi Ball Python is a combination of the Lesser Ball Python gene with the Enchi gene, producing a snake with enhanced coloration and reduced pattern complexity. These snakes often display variations of brown, yellow, and orange with unique patterns. |
These are just a few examples of the color morphs that can be found in the Super Lesser Ball Python. Each morph presents its own unique combination of colors and patterns, making them a captivating addition to any reptile collection.
Caring for a Super Lesser Ball Python
Caring for a Super Lesser Ball Python is similar to caring for other ball python morphs. These snakes require specific care to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some important aspects to consider when caring for a Super Lesser Ball Python:
Enclosure
A suitable enclosure for a Super Lesser Ball Python should be escape-proof and provide adequate space for the snake to move around. A glass terrarium or plastic enclosure is commonly used, with dimensions of at least 30 inches in length, 12 inches in width, and 12 inches in height. It should have a secure lid to prevent the snake from escaping.
Temperature and Humidity
Ball pythons, including Super Lesser Ball Pythons, require specific temperature and humidity levels to thrive. The enclosure should have a temperature gradient, with a warm side ranging from 88-92°F (31-33°C) and a cool side around 78-82°F (25-28°C). A heat source, such as an under-tank heating pad or ceramic heat emitter, can be used to achieve these temperatures. The humidity level should be maintained between 50-60%, which can be achieved by misting the enclosure and using a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
Substrate
The substrate in the enclosure should mimic the natural environment of the Super Lesser Ball Python. Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or reptile bark can be used as suitable substrates. These substrates provide a natural look and allow for burrowing and natural behaviors. Avoid using substrates that may cause impaction, such as sand or gravel.
Feeding
A Super Lesser Ball Python should be fed an appropriate diet of mice or rats, depending on the snake’s size. The prey should be appropriately sized, typically around 10-15% of the snake’s body weight. Feeding should be done once every 1-2 weeks for juveniles and once every 2-4 weeks for adults. It is essential to provide clean, fresh water at all times, preferably in a shallow dish that the snake can easily access.
Handling
Overall, caring for a Super Lesser Ball Python requires attention to detail and adherence to their specific needs. Providing the right environment, temperature, humidity, substrate, and feeding schedule will contribute to the snake’s health and happiness.
Breeding and Genetics
Basic Genetics
The super lesser ball python is a result of breeding a lesser (a morph with reduced pattern and coloration) to another lesser. This combination produces a visually striking morph with even greater reduction in pattern and coloration.
Breeding Process
The breeding process typically involves introducing the male and female together after a period of cooling or lowering the temperature. This temperature drop mimics the change in seasons and triggers the breeding behavior.
The breeding pair should be monitored closely during the process to ensure successful copulation. Once the female has been bred, she will go through a gestation period of around 30-60 days before laying her eggs.
Egg Incubation
After laying her eggs, the female ball python will show little interest in them. The eggs should be carefully removed and placed in a suitable incubator set at the appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
Hatching and Care of Hatchlings
Once the eggs have hatched, the hatchlings should be gently removed from the incubator and placed in a separate enclosure. The hatchlings will be small and delicate, requiring specific care and feeding to ensure their health and growth.
The hatchlings should be provided with a suitable enclosure, proper temperature and humidity levels, and a diet consisting of appropriately sized prey items. Regular monitoring and veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure their well-being.
Breeding and working with ball python genetics can be a complex and fascinating endeavor. It requires knowledge, experience, and dedication to produce and maintain desirable morphs like the super lesser ball python.
I’m Lena Adams—a product of an unconventional upbringing in the African wilderness. My father, a daring explorer of African wildlife, sparked my fascination with reptiles, a passion that intertwined with the tragic loss of my mother during an expedition, leaving an indelible mark on my life. Driven to understand the creatures that captivated my parents, I embarked on my journey, sharing insights about reptiles, frogs, and lizards on my website. Through my explorations and conservation efforts, I honour my family’s legacy while seeking connections—to the creatures, nature, and the mother whose presence I yearn to understand.