I was recently given this ball python by my zoology teacher, his name is darwin and he is ~5 years old and at ~4 feet long. I do not know his genetics or parents of anything. i was told that he is VPI axanthic which i think is a color thing? I would love to figure out what morph he is (just for fun, not for selling or breeding or anything.) I am a complete beginner but i am trying to learn more.
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Welcome~
Darwin is a great name for a zoology teacher’s pet! Also, great user name.
Axanthic can sometimes be a bit tricky to ID in photos because it can be so hard to catch the colors we see… But it looks like you definitely managed to do it.
So Darwin is an axanthic, which is indeed a color thing. It gives them a silvery look because it blocks the yellow pigments from appearing normally.
Darwin also has a pattern mutation also. He also is a spider morph. It’s a bit of a controversial mutation because it affects the inner ear development as well as the pattern. They have what’s known as a ‘wobble’ that can have varying degrees of severity. Stress is also a big factor in how it displays itself.
The wobble in the lowest expression can be a little headtilt that doesn’t go away and some trouble with coordination when held. Feeding time can get them excited and you might see the head wobbling or the snake doing an excited side to side wiggle before possibly missing a couple of strikes. Other wobble signs are ‘corkscrewing’ or difficulty when climbing because it’s like having permanent vertigo.
Regardless I hope he settles in smoothly for you! And feel free to ask any other questions on your noodle =)
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thank you!! now that you mention it, i have noticed him having a bit of a head wobble before, it doesnt seem to affect him too badly though. i greatly appreciate your help in this!!
No problem!
Once he settles down the wobble may improve. Stress can make it worse. Hope he does well for you!