Things You'll Need
- Reptile books
- Reptile website
- Travel
- Pet store
Instructions
Pythons
Start with the rock python, it is a non-venomous python species found in subsaharan Africa. This is is one of the world's largest species of snakes. Adults can reach lengths of over 20 feet. They are typically brown in color, with olive green and tan irregular blotching, fading to white on the underside. At a glance, they can be easily mistaken for the Burmese python but the two species are not closely related.
Commonly referred to as the royal python, the ball python is non-venomous and is found most in Africa. It gets its name from its tendency to curl into a ball with its head on the inside when intimidated or frightened. Thousands of ball pythons are imported to the United States every year to be sold as pets. It is typically light brown-green or black in color, with a tan-yellow underbelly. However, ball pythons come in many "morphs," which are genetic mutations that alter the colors and patterns of the scales. Adults range in length from 3 to over 6 feet.
Found in Australia, the black-headed python can grow up to 9 feet long. They have a distinctively skinny head with black scales covering it down past the pythons neck. The black-headed python will hiss loudly when disturbed but is unlikely to bite unless attacking food. They will sometimes strike with a closed mouth in defense, but usually are easily handled without incident. Black-headed pythons have been known to sleep for long periods, thus making them appear to be lethargic or lazy.
Referred to as a blood python, the Borneo python is a wide bodied breed of python and can reach lengths of up to 7 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. Borneo pythons have had a reputation in the past as being mean tempered. As of late, many of the captive Borneo pythons bred for pets have been noted as being very easy to handle and are now a good choice of pet for the knowledgeable owner.
Found in Australia and New Guinea, the carpet python is a medium to large snake. Most carpet pythons are nocturnal. There are at least seven subspecies of carpet pythons. Carpet pythons are often referred to beginners as an ideal first pet snake. Although carpet pythons can grow to 6 to 16 feet and can be nippy as hatchlings, most will grow into docile, trustworthy adults. Males are typically smaller than females of the same species and are a wise choice for those looking for a slightly smaller adult.
Getting its name from nineteenth century zoologist, John George Children, the Children's python comes from northern Australia. The Children's python is a relatively small snake averaging around 3 feet in length. The Children's python is considered a good pet for people who are inexperienced with snakes because of their good disposition and small size. Children's Pythons generally live for 25 to 30 years depending on how well they are cared for.
Found in the forests of New Guinea, the green tree python is a tree dwelling species. The most typical adult phase is a bright green, although blue or yellow examples are occasionally found. A series of white or blue dorsal and/or later spots is evident on most. Sometimes these light areas form an intermittent line down the dorsal surface. They may reach 7 feet. This is fairly slender snake, so a specimen coiled cinnamon bun-style across a branch may appear smaller than it actually is.
The reticulated python is the longest species of snake in the world. These pythons are the longest but not the largest species of snake. Reticulated pythons are known to have very high intelligence compared to other species of snakes.
Boas
Named from the South American and Indian word combinations referencing elephant and killer, the anaconda is a member of the boa family and the largest snake in the world.
Referred to as the Madagascar ground boa, the ground boa is the largest species of the many snakes found on the island of Madagascar. Madagascar ground boas can grow up to 13 feet long. Female ground boas are typically larger than the males
Getting their name from the beautiful iridescent multicolored sheen that is shown off when in the sunlight, the rainbow boa, also known as the slender boa, is found throughout Central and South American rivers, lakes and swamps. Rainbow boas are typically shy and are nocturnal. Rainbow boas are sometimes available for purchase as pets from exotic pet stores.
Red tailed boas can grow up to 14 feet long and will live up to 20 or 30 years. Red tailed boas are usually very docile and make great pets if you are ready for the 30 year commitment.
Having a rosy or salmon colored body which gives the rosy boa its name. The rosy boa is one of only 2 species of boas found in the United States. A rosy boa only grows to be about 3 feet long.
As a strikingly bright green snake that resides in the rainforests of South America, emerald tree boas are emerald green with white stripes and a yellow underbelly. The emerald tree boa is nearly always found in trees as it rarely makes any contact with the ground. They can be bought as pets but are considered to be very difficult to care for and habitat properly.