Spider

Type: Incomplete Dominant

First Produced By: NERD ^[1]

Complex: Spider Complex

Aliases: -Bee

Issues: Light to Severe Wobble, Lethal Super

First Produced In: 1999

Availability: Common

Last Updated: 2023-06-21

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About

The Spider Ball Python is a pattern and colour altering morph that is credited by many as being one of the morphs that helped the hobby take off. The name Spider comes from the black “webbed” patterning between the “alien heads”.

Issues

Super

Super Spider- Lethal ^[2]

Wobble

The Spider Ball Python (and other morphs) has a genetic disorder referred to in the hobby as a “wobble”. “Wobbles” can range from almost unnoticeable to worryingly severe on an individual basis and is one of the most highly debated and controversial topics in the reptile world, with many experienced breeders and keepers on both sides of the debate. While all Spider Ball Pythons “wobble” to a degree, extreme cases are rare and most will live a normal life. “Wobbles” are often more noticeable during feeding and agitation and can be affected by stress and husbandry.

History

The first spider ball python was imported from Africa by someone who worked at a pet store in Los Angeles. He pulled it out of a shipment and lived with him for 2 years. His wife and him wanted to go on a honeymoon and thats when Lindy Johnson from Freedom Breeder bought the spider ball python for $7500. He then sold the animal to Kevin From New England Reptile Distributors. Kevin reproduced the Spider in 1999, which finally founded the morph into the reptile hobby.

Appearance

Head

The head of a Spider Ball Python is usually dominated by bold markings with a darker spot on its crown that makes them easily recognisable from their non-Spider siblings.

Body

The black “puzzle” pattern along the body of the Spider Ball Python is heavily reduced, as are the markings within the now enlarged and golden “alien heads”.

Belly

The Belly of the Spider Ball Python usually shows faded or patchy continuation of the black body markings, with spots varying between individual animals. Large contrast in colours can be seen along its edges, especially in high-white Spiders.

Tail

The tail of the Spider Ball Python is usually heavily ruled by a mostly unbroken pattern that wraps from one side to the other.

Controversy

While it is perfectly legal to breed the spider ball python, organizations like the IHS in Europe have banned the sale of any Ball Python carrying the Spider gene at their events. ^[3]