The Highway Ball Python is one of the most stunning and sought-after morphs in the reptile community. Their unique patterns and vibrant colours grab the attention of pet lovers.
Curious about what makes the Highway Ball Python one of the most sought-after morphs in the reptile world? Let’s read this article and learn why they have become famous among snake owners.
This guide covers everything about this eye-caught morph, from its history to characteristics and breeding to care sheet. Additionally, we’ll highlight 10 famous morph combinations that make this morph more curious for breeders.
Highway Ball Python History & Origin
The Highway Ball Python morph is relatively new to the reptile world, first discovered in the early 2000s. It originated from breeding experiments.
They are created by crossing the Yellowbelly ball python and Gravel ball python. The name “Highway” was given due to the distinct, road-like markings along the snake’s back, resembling a highway with its lines and borders.
This discovery quickly gained popularity, leading to further breeding projects to refine and enhance the morph’s characteristics.
Taxonomy & Genetics
The Highway Ball Python belongs to the species Python regius, commonly known as the Ball Python or Royal Python. This species is native to West and Central Africa.
Highway Ball Python Habitats are grasslands, savannas, and forests. Genetically, they have a co-dominant trait. This means that when a Highway Ball Python is bred with a normal Ball Python, there is a 50% chance of producing Highway offspring.
The co-dominant nature of this morph also means that breeding two Highway Ball Pythons together can result in the creation of even more visually striking combinations, such as the Super Highway ball python.
Highway Ball Python Characteristics
Highway Ball Python Appearance
The Highway Ball Python is renowned for its unique, road-like pattern, with dark brown or black stripes intersecting with lighter tones of tan, yellow, or gold.
The pattern often resembles the look of a winding highway, hence the name. Their scales are small, smooth, glossy and uniform, giving the snake a sleek, polished look.
They have a dark head with lighter markings, including a prominent dorsal stripe running from the nose to the back of the head. Highway Ball Python Eyes are typically dark, blending in with the head’s colouration.
Highway Ball Python Size & Weight
They are typically 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) long. Males are generally smaller, while females can grow larger and bulkier, especially as they mature.
Weight can vary based on the snake’s diet, age, and overall health. Males weight is typically between 1,200 to 1,800 grams (2.6 to 4 pounds) when fully grown. While females are 1,500 to 3,000 grams (3.3 to 6.6 pounds) when fully grown.
Behaviour & Temperature
Ball Pythons are known for their calm and docile nature, making them excellent pets for both beginners and experienced snake keepers.
They are generally shy and prefer to hide rather than exhibit defensive behaviour. They rarely bite and tend to be more curious than aggressive.
Highway Ball Python Lifespan
With proper care, they can live for 20 to 30 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan may be shorter due to predators and environmental factors.
Read Also, How Long Do Ball Pythons Live?
Highway Ball Python Cost
Their cost can vary depending on factors like age, gender, and the reputation of the breeder. On average:
- Hatchlings: Typically range from $400 to $800.
- Juveniles: May cost between $600 and $1,200, depending on their pattern and colour intensity.
- Adults: Can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more, especially if they have high-quality, unique markings or are proven breeders.
Highway Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding Highway Ball Pythons can be a rewarding experience, especially for those interested in creating unique morph combinations. Here are some details, about what you need to know, before breeding:
Breeding Season
They usually breed during the cooler months, typically from November to March. To encourage breeding, you can slightly lower the nighttime temperatures in the enclosure, mimicking the natural winter conditions.
Pairing the Snakes
Before pairing, make sure both the male and female are healthy, of appropriate size, and at least 2-3 years old. The female should weigh at least 1,500 grams.
Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure, and observe them. If they are receptive, they will start mating, which can last for several hours. You may need to repeat this process over a few weeks to ensure successful fertilization.
Egg Laying & Incubation
After successful mating, the female will start to develop eggs. You might notice her refusing food and spending more time in her hide.
About 30 days after her pre-lay shed (a special shed before laying), she will lay a clutch of eggs, typically between 4-10 eggs.
Carefully remove the eggs and place them in an incubator set at 88-90°F with high humidity (around 90%).
It usually takes around 55-60 days for the eggs to hatch. Keep an eye on the humidity and temperature to ensure the best conditions for the developing embryos.
Hatching
When the time comes, the baby pythons will start to emerge from their eggs. This process is called “pipping.” Once all the hatchlings have emerged, you can place them in individual enclosures. They are usually ready to start feeding after their first shed, which occurs a week or so after hatching.
10 Famous Highway Morph Combinations
Super Highway: A stunning morph produced by breeding two Highway Ball Pythons together, resulting in a snake with an even more pronounced pattern and colouration.
Pastel Highway: A combination of the Highway and Pastel morphs, featuring a lighter, more vibrant colour palette with soft yellows and oranges.
Highway Pied: This morph combines the Highway pattern with the Pied’s distinctive white patches, creating a striking contrast.
Clown Highway: A unique morph that blends the Highway’s road-like pattern with the Clown’s reduced pattern and bright colours.
Highway Ghost: This morph combines the Highway with the Ghost morph, resulting in a muted, almost ethereal appearance.
Leopard Highway: A powerful combination that enhances the Highway pattern with the Leopard morph’s bold and busy markings.
Highway Fire: This morph introduces the Fire gene into the Highway, creating a brighter, more intense colouration.
Highway Enchi: A combination that refines the Highway pattern, producing cleaner and more defined markings.
Mojave Highway: This morph mixes the Highway with the Mojave gene, resulting in a snake with a unique, washed-out appearance.
Highway Banana: A vibrant morph that blends the Highway pattern with the Banana morph’s stunning yellows and purples.
Highway Ball Python Care Sheet
Caring for a Highway snake is simple and easy, for both beginner and experienced pet owners. Here, we describe its care sheet in detail. You must know how to care for this ball python morph if you want to keep it.
Housing
For a baby snake, a 10-gallon tank is sufficient. As the snake grows, you’ll need to upgrade to a 40-gallon tank.
Glass tanks are common, but plastic enclosures or PVC cages are also great options. They help maintain humidity better and are easier to clean.
Substrates like; Aspen bedding, cypress mulch, and coconut husk are excellent choices. They are safe, hold moisture well, and help maintain humidity.
Provide at least two hides—one on the warm and one on the cool side. This allows the snake to regulate its body temperature while feeling secure.
Temperature & Heating
It’s important to have a temperature gradient in the enclosure. The warm side should be around 88-92°F, while the cool side should be 75-80°F.
Also, use heat lamps, ceramic heat emitters, or under-tank heaters to maintain these temperatures.
Humidity & Lighting
Highway royal pythons thrive in humidity levels between 40-60%.
To maintain humidity, you can use a large water bowl placed on the warm side of the enclosure, which helps increase humidity through evaporation. Also, use a hygrometer to keep an eye on the humidity levels.
Ball Pythons do not require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial. If you choose to use UVB, a low-output bulb designed for reptiles is ideal.
Ensure your python has a regular day/night cycle by providing 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. This can be done with a simple timer.
Highway Ball Python Diet
Highway Pythons primarily eat rodents like mice and rats. Start with appropriately sized prey, which should be no larger than the widest part of the snake’s body.
Feed baby and juvenile snakes every 5-7 days. Adults typically eat every 7-14 days, depending on their size and appetite.
Always provide clean, fresh water for your Highway snake. It’s crucial for hydration and overall health.
Read Also, What Do Snakes Eat and Drink?
Handling
Support the snake’s body with both hands and avoid sudden movements. Let the snake explore your hands rather than restraining it tightly.
Handle your snake 1-2 times a week, for about 10-15 minutes each time. This helps build trust without causing stress.
If your snake hissing, striking, or trying to escape from your hands, return it to its enclosure and give it time to calm down.
Highway Ball Python Shedding
Ball Pythons typically shed their skin every 4-6 weeks, depending on their age and growth rate. You may notice the skin becoming dull and the eyes turning blue before shedding.
Younger snakes shed more frequently than adults due to their faster growth rate.
Problems, like retained eye caps or incomplete sheds, can occur if humidity is too low or if the snake is dehydrated.
So, increase humidity during the shedding process, and provide a humid hide. If issues persist, a warm, damp towel can help gently remove the stuck shed.
Health & Common Issues
A healthy Highway Ball Python is active, and alert, and has clear eyes, smooth scales, and a regular feeding pattern.
Watch out for respiratory infections (symptoms include wheezing or mucus), mites (tiny black or red dots), and scale rot (discoloured or damaged scales).
If you notice any of these signs consult with a reptilian vet. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems.
Read Also, About Champagne Ball Python: Stunning Morphs, Care Tips, and Breeding Guide
Conclusion
The Highway Ball Python is a captivating morph that blends beauty and unique genetics. Perfect for breeders and hobbyists alike, its road-like pattern and breeding potential make it a standout choice. By understanding its history, genetics, and care needs, you can help this remarkable snake thrive. With its stunning appearance and endless breeding possibilities, a pet lover must add them into their collections.
