I’ve added a link to this thread to the Spider page of the Encyclopedia to hopefully save users from asking the same question in the future. They can use this as a place to view opinions and build their own.
7. Spider
Morph Encyclopedia: #0007
Thomas Eagle - Eagle Reptiles
Spider
Image from Deborah Stewart at Stewart Reptiles
Base Morph Incomplete Dominance (Co-dom)
INTRODUCTION:
The Spider Ball Python is a pattern and colouration 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”.
VISUAL DESCRIPTION
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.
Image from Nathan_e
Body: The black “puzzle” pattern along the body of the Spider Ball Python is heavily reduced, as is markings within the now enlarged and golden “alien heads”.
Some Spider Ball Pythons exhibit large (high-white) sections of white scales whereas some show non (low-white) at all.
Image from Holly Jenkins
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.
Image from Holly Jenkins
Tail: The tail of the Spider Ball Python is usually heavily ruled by mostly unbroken pattern that wraps from one side to the other.
Other:
- Super: Super Spider (Spider X Spider)
Yeah let’s do this: here’s the Super Spider
Image from Matt Huck at OWAL Reptiles
Known Issues:
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 largest 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.
Ethics of Spiders and Spider Breeding
Useful links:
Compare to a Normal Ball Python
Other images of Spiders:
Image from Nathan_e
Multiple Gene Spiders:
Spinner Blast ( Spider Pinstripe Pastel)
Image from Deborah Stewart at Stewart Reptiles
Orange Dream Spider
Image from Deborah Stewart at Stewart Reptiles