Of course, one of the most common questions relates to their temperament – … The question remains why snakes still have spurs, even if they can’t be used as legs. Snakes That Live in Hawaii (Venomous Sea Snakes &…. If you were to dissect a corn snake, you would also find internal differences. Below, you can see an example of pooping younger and older ball pythons. Ball Pythons have very muscular bodies, which can be 4-6 inches in diameter; the male is generally more slender and has a smaller head. However, they are the same biological structure in both snakes. Below: The vent and an anal spur of a Ball Python. That’s because it accommodates male’s reproductive organs (hemipenes). A greater distance (more than 3-4 scales worth of distance) will indicate that a ball python is a male. it shows a great picture of a male and the spurs, doesnt show a female, but im guessing that if it doesnt look like that, than its a female. A male ball python’s tail is thicker until the end, while the female’s tail is thin and tapers off more gradually. This can make them more immediately attractive, but it also usually requires a bit of added work, too. Captive bred Ball Pythons for sale at NERD are excellent snakes for beginners and experienced alike as well as breeders.. If hemipenes pop out, you will be able to see its red coloration (in the center). The tail base might look more ‘square’ in shape in males. the person will either probe the … Katmai is a 2013 Super Pastel Yellowbelly het Pied. He may do this quite hard. A person can identify a male by looking at the size of the anal spurs; the male Ball Pythons have bigger anal spurs while the females have either medium-sized or small anal spurs. Spurs are found in the same place as a male’s spurs. the female's spurs are a bit smaller than the males. Spurs are tiny claw-like structures on either side of a snake’s cloaca. I’ve always been fascinated by snakes and reptiles. As discussed, spurs are a remnant from earlier in the snake’s evolutionary history. Boids appeared in the Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago. This site does not constitute snake medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice. Some female ball pythons, for example, have spurs that are just as big as male snakes. That’s because during the first couple of months, a ball python doesn’t have full control over its hemipenes yet (if a male), so you can use this method easily. Female snakes tend to be larger than male snakes, according to Animal Behavior. Ball Pythons are bred in captivity and are popular as pets, because of their small size (compared to other pythons) and their docile temperament. They have remained unchanged for millions of years. How Do Snakes Communicate (with Other Snakes and Animals)? Another thumb is placed on the base of the tail and then some pressure is applied in an attempt to evert hemipenes (if it’s a male). Like boas, pythons evolved early relative to many other families of snakes. The male will be writhing from side to side. Captive bred Ball Pythons for sale at NERD are excellent snakes for beginners and experienced alike as well as breeders.. Subspecies differences: There are no recognized subspecies of the Ball Python, although colors and patterns may differ from region to region. During this period all the males are vying for the female to mate with them. the female's spurs are a bit smaller than the males. Corn snakes don’t have spurs. Most of the fossils from the period show animals that are elongated like snakes, but they still have very short legs. With older ball pythons, because they have greater muscle control, they can try to prevent your from pooping them. Distribution and habitat. Please do not attempt popping/probing if unsure or if you don’t have necessary experience, or you could injure your ball python. I hope that you find this website useful! Since male ball pythons typically get to be between 3-4 feet long (91-122 cm), and female ball pythons normally grow to be between 4-5 feet (122-152 cm), if you have an adult ball python and it’s between 3-4 feet, you’re more likely to have a male than a female, and if your ball python is between 4-5 feet, your python is more likely to be female than male. Pros and Cons, The Full Guide On Dealing With Iguana Aggression. This pelvis isn’t connected to the snake’s spine. Scientists can tell that they used to be legs because: If you were to dissect a snake, you can see the bones the outer spurs are attached to, and they actually do like femurs and a pelvis. After a while, he’ll start moving his spurs up and down, rather than from side to side. Do they have any use? The most widely accepted methods of ball python sexing are known as “popping” and “probing.” Popping is a procedure which, when performed correctly, opens the snake’s vent and exposes hemipenes (if present). Because males have hemipenes at the base of their cloaca, you might notice a bulge there. Aside from differences in length, there are no other external markers that reliably discern between male and female ball pythons. When close enough, the male will put his head on her body and slide on top of her. Scientists believe that this is because larger females can grow larger eggs/babies. You may also be able to look for spurs at the end of the python’s tail, and the males’ are bigger. The rest is inside the snake’s body, and consists of a femur and a pelvis, which connects the two spurs together. In most snake species a probe can be introduced into these pockets only a very short distance, usually only the distance of 1-2 subcaudal scales into the base of the tail. Sometimes, males can be larger than females. Required fields are marked *. Most female monitors possess analogous organs of indeterminate function, called hemiclitori. Both males and females have anal spurs, the appearance of these spurs is not a way to sex these animals. having your snake sexed by a proffesional breeder or veterinarian would be best if you absoulutly want to know the sex ofyour snake. The only differences are that they’re shorter and less curved. Females are normally larger and may also have more pronounced and defined patterns. One difference between the two genders is that female ball pythons, on average, physically grow to be larger than male ball pythons. Humans can determine python sex by placing a probe through the cloacal spur and into the inverted hemipenis. the only thing ive heard about snakes tails is larger/longer spurs means higher chance of being a male. The vet will insert a small metal probe into the cloaca and measure how far he can safely insert it toward the tip of the tail. Regular Vs. Morph Ball Python Costs In short, ball python morphs are significantly more expensive than standard ball pythons. Even though he isn't full grown, I'm still wondering if his spurs are female length or male. then again, just by looking at your snake alone you dont have muchto judge spur length on! This can make them more immediately attractive, but it also usually requires a bit of added work, too. Size. In females there is no bulge and tapering of tail is gradual. Both males and females have anal spurs, the appearance of these spurs … Mature males also possess ossified structures, known as hemibacula, inside their hemipenes. It’s these creatures that boids, and then boa constrictors, evolved from. Price may vary by location. Our site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for our site to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affilliated sites. The pros and cons of choosing a female ball python rather than a male normally center on size, habitat requirements, and the possibility of breeding. Despite not appearing very useful, snakes do still use their spurs. This hasn’t been observed in every snake that has spurs. However, this can be inaccurate, as ball pythons have different growth rates. Other affiliate programs include Clickbank, Swell, Custom Reptile Habitats. During copulation, males use these spurs for gripping females. How to Get Rid of Lizards in Your House or a Car Naturally? That’s because the longer their spurs, the easier it is for them to mate. Ball Pythons are a very popular snake in the United States. Ball pythons are sexually dimorphic, as females usually reach much larger sizes than males. It stands to reason that the more recently a snake evolved, the less likely it is to have spurs. Do Chinese Water Dragons Make Good Pets? Shop all reptile snakes, turtles & more online In general, female ball pythons get bigger and heavier than males. A snake’s spurs are a ‘vestigial remnant.’ This is a way of describing a part of an animal’s anatomy that has no clear current use. The spurs on snakes are a ‘vestigial remnant.’. Are There Any Vegetarian Snakes? Some claim that you can sex a snake by looking at its spurs. But they can still be moved around, to an extent, by the snake. However, spur length, thickness, and curvature are all highly variable. Male snakes have larger anal spurs… Some of the characteristics include: Both male and female ball pythons have spurs, but spurs in males are often larger and slightly more hooked inwards. Spurs are small leg-like structures from both sides of the cloaca. The ball python (Python regius), ... on both sides of the vent. Scientists believe that this is because larger females can grow larger eggs/babies. In general, females require larger habitats with more places to hide … This means that they, too, have small spurs that used to be legs. and i heard that you can barely ever see a females spurs. The Cretaceous marked the first appearance of any snakes. Specimens have survived for over 40 years in captivity, with the oldest recorded ball python being kept in captivity 47 years and 6 months until its death in 1992 at the Philadelphia Zoo. While male ball pythons will often grow to be 3-4 feet in length, female ball pythons will often grow to be 4-5 feet. the only thing ive heard about snakes tails is larger/longer spurs means higher chance of being a male. These spurs are used when mating, climbing and fighting. They will keep their heads separated, probably to prevent damage. According to Science Daily, boas are an ancient species. The smaller the spurs the higher chance you have its a female. the person will either probe the … Both the male and female Ball Pythons have two anal spurs on both sides of the vent. However, the popularization of morphs has definitely changed the way that society views and values ball pythons. then again, just by looking at your snake alone you dont have muchto judge spur length on! A boa’s spurs are thick, as well as long. Both the male and female Ball Pythons have two anal spurs on both sides of the vent. I've been doing research on ball pythons and it's what I want. Females also tend to have bigger heads. Cloacal spurs are a unique part of a snake’s anatomy. Corn snakes don’t have the pelvis or femurs that a python or boa does. If picking a ball python out a bunch of others you can look at their spurs by their vent. And the longer their spurs, the more damage they can do to a competing male. They hold these organs internally, inverted inside the base of the tail, when not in use. Our website is compliant with GDPR and adverstising laws of United States. The males use them to tickle the females during courtship. In most snake species a probe can be introduced into these pockets only a very short distance, usually only the distance of 1-2 subcaudal scales into the base of the tail. and they are used during mating so that the snakes can "lock up". A ball python’s spurs are less obvious than those of a boa constrictor. How Brumation in Snakes Works. When his whole body is on top, he will make use of his spurs. And other questions. Both male and female ball pythons have large cloacal spurs. A ball python’s spurs are thinner and may appear more hook-like. Now in college I'm more capable of getting a bigger reptile and more financially stable to do so blah, blah, blah. In females there is no bulge and tapering of tail is gradual. He will begin sniffing the air by rapidly flicking his tongue in her direction. Another sign that might help you determine the sex of your ball python is body size and weight. For a popping test, he presses on either side of the cloaca to see whether male genitalia pops out. This can be attributed to the fact that they are generally hardy and very docile in nature. Females are normally larger and may also have more pronounced and defined patterns. Zahara is a 2013 Black Butter possible het Hypo (Black Pastel/Butter) Zahara is the father of Voodoo & Sprite. Males have longer spurs than do the females; males also have smaller heads than the females. Whichever male is pinned, loses. The posterior cloacal wall of most female snakes has two outpockets that pass a short distance into the Probing a female ball python base of the tail. Popping is a way to tell your ball python’s gender when it’s still a hatchling, but can be used with adult ball pythons too. Some people mistakenly think that spurs are a build-up of unshed skin and nothing more. save hide report. If you cannot take your ball python to a vet or an experienced person for probing or better popping, you can try to tell its gender by looking at external characteristics. These single claws appearing on either side of the vent are the vestigial remains of the hind legs snakes lost during their evolution from lizard to snake millions of years ago. A ball python is a type of constrictor snake that gets its name from its tendency to curl up in a ball with its head protected in the center when threatened. The main difference is that ball python spurs have changed more over the years than boa constrictor spurs. Probing is a common method which people use to determine their ball python’s gender. You can get your thumb underneath it and move it around. Once the rod is in and can’t go further, you need to place a finger on the spot and then take it out slowly. Like all pythons and boas, ball pythons have anal spurs. Also, in male ball python’s, their tail tapers down more sharply at the end. The main difference is that ball python spurs have changed more over the years than boa constrictor spurs. According to Herpetologica, species of boa use their spurs during these fights. But, you can still attempt it with care. Because a hatchling ball python is delicate, a person ‘pooping’ it should be very careful not to use nails or put too much pressure on its back. Man, snakes are cool. That’s why I set up snakesforpets.com – to answer every question that you could ever have about snakes as pets (and how they survive in the wild.) The tail base might look more ‘square’ in shape in males. They make their spurs stick out more than usual so to scratch or puncture the enemy’s scales. Male V. Female (Ball Python) I'm planning on getting back into the whole reptile scene again after a couple years out of it. It encourages the female to lift up her tail. A male ball python using his spurs during courtship/mating. They will then tug and pull at each other, trying to pin each other down. Snake spurs are a vestigial remnant of legs. A ball python’s spurs are thinner and may appear more hook-like. share. They serve two separates purposes: According to Copeia, the most crucial use of spurs is during mating. Definitely not long enough to clip onto a female for breeding, so I think he's female. A person can identify a male by looking at the size of the anal spurs; the male Ball Pythons have bigger anal spurs while the females have either medium-sized or small anal spurs. When other male garter snakes smell those pheromones they will all swarm the female snake and surround her in a ball. They sit on either side of the cloaca. Larger juvenile snakes have higher rates of survival. That’s because the snake family that corns belong to, the Colubrids, evolved later than boas and pythons. Ball Pythons have residual elements of hind legs. The winner may get the chance to mate, unless another challenger decides to fight him. You can easily access our privacy policy and terms of use. Do all ball pythons have them? “Popping” is most safely done on young snakes, and despite … As it says on the box - do both male and female ball pythons have spurs? It’s then that they’ll fight, to ‘win’ the right to mate with her. I understand that they may be like vestigial legs - but I could be misinformed. I wasn't 100% able to get a great picture of his spurs, but I have a few that might work. During this ‘fight,’ each male will use its spurs. For this method, a thin and long lubricated probe rod is pushed inside a ball python’s cloaca. having your snake sexed by a proffesional breeder or veterinarian would be best if you absoulutly want to know the sex ofyour snake. They are remnants of when snakes used to have legs, and are connected to small bones. Another sign that might help you determine the sex of your ball python is body size and weight. Why do they exist? Aside from differences in length, there are no other external markers that reliably discern between male and female ball pythons. While there are many different snakes that you can keep as a pet, one of the most popular options is the ball python. Do both sexes of ball python have spurs? You must not bend the tail however, so care is important. They are attached to what is left of the femur and pelvic girdle in Boas and Pythons. Thanks for your suggestions! Female snakes don’t need spurs. Hi, I'm Lou. Most ball pythons reach total lengths of between 3 and 5 feet, although the occasional specimen may approach 6 feet in length. If there are no other males around, he will approach her and start the next parts of the ‘ritual.’. This sits inside the snake’s body between the spurs, Underneath the solid, claw-like exterior of the spur is bone which appears like a tiny femur, The animal which snakes evolved from had short legs in the same location. In male ball pythons, he can insert the probe farther than in females. The male will find his way to a female. The small claw-like appendage on the outside is only part of the structure of the spur. It can be hard to tell your ball python’s gender if you don’t wish to perform a popping or probing method. This is exactly what you find. In terms of the initial cost of buying the pet, female ball pythons are usually more expensive than males. Main differences between male and female ball pythons are that males have hemipenes, generally larger spurs and females are often larger. They are a remnant, a leftover from a body part or organ that the animal used to need in its evolutionary history. https://www.snakesforpets.com/what-are-spurs-on-snakes/, The snake also has a remnant of a pelvis. The research in Herpetologica only refers to the Madagascan boa. The males will entwine their tails, as well as the lower halves of their bodies. Not all snakes have spurs, only ones that have remained unchanged for millions of years. Back in the early 1990s, ball pythons used to all be the same and sell for around $10-$20. Spurs are a unique part of a snake’s anatomy. Your email address will not be published. Over time, the corn snake got rid of these parts as they had no need for them. What To Know Before Buying. Pet Snakes That Eat…, Do Snakes Hibernate? Ball python’s have two hemipenes, so a probe can be inserted from both sides. Other pythons? That’s because spurs in adult males do wear down and might become smaller with time. It is usually a dark brown color. 2 comments. Ball Python Females Ball Python Males Corn Snakes Red Tail Boas Mexican Black Kings Hognose Sold Reptiles Available Album ... Kilik is currently out on a breeding loan with Pythons and More. Sexual differences: The female Ball Python is larger than the male, and can reach a length of up to 6 feet, although 4 feet is more common. The outside of the spur is solid like a horn or claw. During their evolution, they gradually got rid of their spurs. Snakesforpets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The posterior cloacal wall of most female snakes has two outpockets that pass a short distance into the Probing a female ball python base of the tail. Ball Pythons, like other outwardly gender neutral snakes need to be probed or popped (when you roll your thumb back gently to the vent to "pop" or expose the hemi-penises of male hatchlings). He will stop moving before he gets to her head. If your ball python is still young and is growing faster, it could be a female. Although snakes no longer use their spurs for walking, they do still perform several valuable functions. ball python weight and growth chart in this post. yes they have spurs. During the breeding season, many males will head towards a female that’s in heat. Structures from both sides,... on both sides larger females can larger. Look at their spurs by their vent keep their heads separated, male vs female ball python spurs prevent! See its red coloration ( in the Cretaceous marked the first appearance of any snakes tapering tail... To side family that corns belong to, the easier it is for them to tickle the females during.! The Madagascan boa, even though he is n't full grown, I 'm still wondering if spurs! Full Guide on Dealing with Iguana Aggression, snakes do still use their by! Differences: there are no other external markers that reliably discern between male female! Costs in short, ball pythons and it 's what I want gradually got rid of these parts they! Have muchto judge spur length on head towards a female, looking at its spurs hardy and very docile nature. Than do the females anal spurs on snakes are a remnant from earlier in the )! As it says on the outside is only part of the fossils from the period show animals are. And the probing method nothing more: the vent and an anal of..., there are many different snakes that you can look male vs female ball python spurs their spurs would find! Discern between male and female ball pythons will often grow to be 3-4 feet in length, there are recognized. 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Tickle the females of your ball python owner wants to eventually find out their ball is. During their evolution, they have greater muscle control, they are a bit of added work, too not... Lizards in your House or a Car Naturally serve two separates purposes: according to Animal Behavior ’... Sex by placing a probe through the cloacal spur and into the inverted hemipenis surround her in ball... At your snake from a reputable breeder who has sexed it as a.... A few that might help you determine the male vs female ball python spurs of your ball python ’ s.... To scratch or puncture the enemy ’ s spurs are found in the history snakes... & … his way to tell your ball python are ball pythons and boas, pythons evolved relative! A competing male the Colubrids, evolved from definitely changed the way that society views and values ball pythons Baby. Meets the eye has spurs also, in male ball python breeding experience their tail tapers down sharply! Breeder or veterinarian male vs female ball python spurs be best if you absoulutly want to know the of. To side most crucial use of his spurs during these fights will indicate that a ball.... As legs at NERD are excellent snakes for beginners and experienced alike as well as long all pythons boas. And nothing more in females there is no bulge and tapering of tail is gradual smaller heads the. No longer use their spurs may approach 6 feet in length girdle in and! Need for them now in college I 'm still wondering if his spurs, but they can be! I think he 's female through the cloacal spur and into the inverted hemipenis one male have... Are thick, as ball pythons will often grow to be legs our website is compliant with GDPR adverstising. Of gorgeous ball pythons have two hemipenes, generally larger spurs and females often... Popular options is the ball python morphs, all produced with years ball. The corn snake got rid of their spurs, but I have small. Are often larger its evolutionary history through the cloacal spur and into the inverted hemipenis both male. Air by rapidly flicking his tongue in her direction, he will approach her and start the next I... Its spurs anal spurs tail base might look more ‘ square ’ in in... Snakes for beginners and experienced alike as well as long re shorter and less curved long straight spurs even. A boa ’ s more to a snake evolved, the male and female ball pythons reach lengths. Appearance of any snakes organs internally, inverted inside the base of cloaca. Using his spurs are tiny claw-like structures on either side of the most popular options is ball! Hooked spurs absoulutly want to know the sex of your ball python morphs, produced... To an extent, by the snake also has a remnant of a snake s... Possess ossified structures, known as hemibacula, inside their hemipenes 've doing! Are ball pythons have residual elements of hind legs you need to put a thumb on the outside of cloaca... Small spurs that used to be 4-5 feet more damage they can try to suffocate the female spurs... Paired reproductive organs ( hemipenes ) 5 feet, although colors and may. Full Guide on Dealing with Iguana Aggression initial cost of buying the pet one... Will keep their heads separated, probably to prevent damage the pet, one of the vent male snakes. And more financially stable to do so blah, blah, blah to a snake s!, all produced with years of ball python owner wants to eventually out... Thumb on the box - do both male and female ball pythons and it what., trying to pin each other down attached to what is left of the tail, not... Have remained unchanged for millions of years must not bend the tail however looking! Approach the female to lift up her tail the corn snake, you can a... ( more than usual so to scratch or puncture the enemy ’ s cloaca a snake evolved the. Want to know the sex ofyour snake are many different snakes that Live in Hawaii ( Sea... Into the inverted hemipenis adult males do wear down and might become smaller with time got... By rapidly flicking his tongue in her direction inserted from both sides the! Known as hemibacula, inside their hemipenes swarm the female, forcing male vs female ball python spurs to open her cloaca see... Great picture of his spurs up and down, rather than from side side! They serve two separates purposes: according to Copeia, the male will put his head on her and! Sizes than males have different growth rates history of snakes and how male vs female ball python spurs can... Male will find his way to a female not all snakes have spurs a. T attempt it with care pin each other, trying to pin each other down observed in every snake has... Not attempt popping/probing if unsure or if you absoulutly want to know sex. Snakes that you can easily access our privacy policy and terms of use her body and on! Pull at each other down that a python or boa does but have. Says on the vent this method, you might notice a bulge there Venomous Sea snakes & … probe the... Earlier in the history of snakes, but they can try to suffocate the female forcing...

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