Spider

Spider is a ball python, Python regius, morph produced by a dominant pattern gene rather than a separate breed. It typically shows a pale gold to tan body, thin dark web-like striping, reduced side pattern, bright white sides or belly edges, and a dark head marking. The gene has been used in many combinations, including bumblebee when paired with pastel, so spider ancestry can be present even when the snake's color is changed by albino, banana, clown, or other genes.

The same mutation is associated with the spider wobble, a neurological balance issue that can range from barely visible head tilt to corkscrewing or trouble feeding, especially during stress or meals. Keepers evaluating a spider ball python should watch it move, feed, and right itself before purchase or breeding decisions. Husbandry is otherwise standard for ball pythons: a secure enclosure, steady warm side, appropriate humidity, hides, and calm handling. Because of welfare concerns, some breeders and collections no longer produce spider projects, and buyers should understand that debate before supporting a pairing.

Colors: Albino, Axanthic, Banana, Banana Pied, Black-Eyed Leucistic, Black Pastel, Blue-Eyed Leucistic, Bumblebee, Butter, Calico, Cinnamon, Clown, Coral Glow, Desert Ghost, Enchi, Fire, Freeway, Genetic Stripe, Ghi, Ghost, Het Albino, Het Clown, Het Pied, Highway, High White, Hypo, Ivory, Killer Bee, Lavender Albino, Leopard, Lesser, Mahogany, Mojave, Monsoon, Normal, Orange Dream, Paradox, Pastel, Pastel Clown, Piebald, Pied, Pinstripe, Scaleless Head, Spider, Spotnose, Sunset, Super Pastel, Wild Type, Yellow Belly