Ball pythons have small heat-sensing pits along their mouths. The pits are angled to help pinpoint the direction of the heat source. These pits are so sensitive they can detect a temperature change of just 3/1000th of a degree.
Python regius
Ball pythons have small heat-sensing pits along their mouths. The pits are angled to help pinpoint the direction of the heat source. These pits are so sensitive they can detect a temperature change of just 3/1000th of a degree.
Scientific Name:
Python regius
Native Range:
West and central Africa (reaching from Senegal across to Sudan)
Habitat:
Dry savannah and grasslands, occasionally thorn scrub or forest edge
Convservation Status:
Near Threatened
Museum Location:
Mini-Zoo
Lifespan in the Wild:
10 years
Lifespan in Captivity:
20-30 years is most common
Diet:
Carnivore. Primarily rats, gerbils, and jerboas, but occasionally other small mammals or birds; will sometimes pursue rodents into their burrows.