The Albino Spider Ball Python is truly a sight to behold. It combines the enchanting yellow-and-white hues of an albino with the intricate web-like patterns of the spider morph.
Have you ever wondered what makes this morph unique or why it’s a favourite among snake enthusiasts?
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this beautiful ball python morph to uncover its striking appearance, genetics, and what makes it an incredible pet to own.
Albino Spider Ball Python History & Genetics
The Spider Albino Ball Python is a fascinating morph that combines the genetics of two popular traits: the albino gene and the spider gene.
The albino trait, discovered in the 1990s, brings bright yellows and creamy whites, while the spider trait, which first appeared in the early 2000s, adds an intricate, web-like pattern.
By blending these two, breeders have created a snake with striking contrast and a bold appearance.
The albino gene is recessive, meaning both parents must carry it, while the spider gene is dominant, ensuring that the beautiful pattern is always passed down.
This unique combination makes the Albino Spider Royal Python popular among collectors and hobbyists.
Albino Spider Ball Python Characteristics
Albino Spider Ball Python Appearance
- Body Color: Bright yellow and white, with a unique, web-like pattern typical of spider morphs.
- Shape: Thick-bodied, muscular like most ball pythons.
- Eyes & Belly: Red or pink eyes, common to albino morphs. The belly is usually white without markings.
- Head Shape and Tail: Rounded head with a reduced pattern due to spider genetics. The tail features a bright continuation of the body’s yellow and white hues.
- Speed: Generally moves slowly, though it can be more active when curious or hungry.
Albino Spider Ball Python Size & Weight
- Adult Length: 3-5 feet.
- Weight: Ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 grams depending on age and gender.
Behaviour and Temperament:
- Temperament: Calm, gentle, and typically easy to handle. Can be a bit nervous as hatchlings but usually become docile with regular handling.
- Behaviour: Loves to hide and spend most of the day curled up, making it easy for beginners to manage.
Albino Spider Ball Python Lifespan
Can live up to 20-30 years with proper care, making them a long-term pet commitment.
Albino Spider Ball Python Cost
- Adults: $350 – $600.
- Hatchlings: $250 – $400.
- Juveniles: $300 – $450.
- Best Place to Buy: Reputable online breeders like MorphMarket or local reptile expos are great places to find healthy Albino Spider Ball Pythons.
Albino Spider Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction (Step-by-Step Guide)
Breeding Albino Spider Ball Pythons involves several essential steps to ensure healthy hatchlings and a successful pairing. Here are the key steps:
- Choose the Right Breeding Pair:
Select a male and female Ball Python with complementary genetics. In this case, you need an Albino and a Spider morph, both of breeding age and health.
- Conditioning the Snakes:
Before breeding, make sure both snakes are well-fed and healthy. It’s best to increase feeding before the breeding season to help the female build up energy reserves.
- Introduce Male to Female:
During the breeding season (typically winter), place the male into the female’s enclosure. Observe their behaviour; if they’re compatible, they’ll usually start courting.
- Mating and Ovulation:
If successful, the female will begin ovulating within a few weeks. Signs include swelling in the middle of her body and noticeable behavioural changes.
- Gravid Female Care:
Once gravid (pregnant), provide a nesting box with a moist substrate for the female to lay her eggs. Keep the temperatures consistent for her comfort.
- Egg-Laying and Incubation:
The female will lay between 4-10 eggs, which need to be carefully moved to an incubator. Maintain an incubation temperature of around 88-90°F (31-32°C).
- Hatchlings:
After approximately 55-60 days, the eggs will hatch. Albino Spider hatchlings will have a mix of both albino and spider traits, resulting in beautiful webbed patterns and bright colours.
Albino Spider Ball Python Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Setup
- Tank Size: A 20-gallon tank is suitable for juveniles, while adults need a 40-gallon tank (36” x 18” x 12”) with a secure lid.
- Substrate: Use aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or reptile carpet. Avoid pine and cedar, which can cause respiratory issues.
- Hides and Decorations: Provide two hides (one on each side of the tank) and add décor like branches or artificial plants for enrichment.
2. Temperature and Heating
- Temperature Gradient: Warm side: 88°F-92°F; Cool side: 75°F-80°F.
- Heat Source: Use heat mats or ceramic heat emitters, regulated with a thermostat. Avoid heat rocks.
- Night Temperature: Night temps can drop slightly but should stay above 70°F.
3. Lighting
- Natural Day/Night Cycle: UVB lighting is not necessary, but a 12-hour light cycle is recommended for maintaining a natural rhythm.
- Supplementary Lighting: Standard room lighting or soft white lights work fine to simulate a day/night cycle.
4. Humidity
- Humidity Levels:
Keep humidity between 50%-60%. Higher levels may be required during shedding. - Humidity Control:
Mist the enclosure when needed, and provide a large water dish or a moist hide for extra humidity.
5. Feeding
- Diet: Feed appropriately sized rodents (mice for juveniles, rats for adults).
- Feeding Schedule: Juveniles: Feed every 5-7 days. Adults: Feed every 10-14 days.
- Live vs. Frozen/Thawed Prey: Frozen/thawed prey is safer. If feeding lives, supervise to avoid injury to the snake.
6. Water
- Water Dish: Provide fresh, clean water at all times in a shallow dish.
- Soaking: The Albino Spider Ball Python may enjoy occasional soaking, so ensure the water dish is large enough.
7. Handling
- Frequency: Handle 2-3 times a week, but avoid handling after feeding or during shedding.
- Proper Technique: Gently support the snake’s body, avoid sudden movements, and never squeeze the snake.
8. Shedding
- Signs of Shedding: Dull skin and blue eyes are indicators of shedding.
- Shedding Assistance: Maintain humidity or provide a moist hide to help with shedding.
9. Health & Common Issues
- Health Monitoring: Healthy snakes have clear eyes, smooth skin, and regular feeding habits.
- Common Health Problems: Watch for respiratory infections, mites, and issues with shedding. Contact a vet if issues arise.
- Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups with a reptile vet are recommended.
10. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Cleaning Schedule:
Spot clean daily, replace substrate, and clean the tank every 4-6 weeks. - Sanitization:
Use reptile-safe cleaning products and rinse thoroughly to remove residue.
Conclusion
The Albino Spider Ball Python stands out not just for its striking colors and patterns, but also for its calm temperament, making it a captivating choice for both new and experienced snake enthusiasts.
With careful breeding and care, these beautiful reptiles can thrive for decades, offering both visual appeal and a unique personality to their keepers.