Why Python Regius?

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Originally Posted by reno-cg

Snakes have been worshipped as gods for centuries before western culture (dare I say Christianity) made them into an ominous monster or devil (I don't think this image is too prevalent in today's society though).

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Tell that to my mother! I had to wait until I moved out to get one and then she will not stay in my house when she is in town for a visit. ;)

Sometimes I like to joke that they are called Royal Pythons because they are such finicky eaters.

Her majesty down there decided to skip again last night. :P

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Originally Posted by reno-cg

Obviously I'm not asking whether I should get one (if this was the context of the question asked, the more appropriate question would be "why not?"). In fact I own 2 ball pythons already and have big expansion plans for the future. The question I'm actually asking is, "does anybody know why they are named Python Regius? Or Royal Pythons?"

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The Ekoi people of Nigeria tell a tale of Python, who took from his mouth a shining stone and sold it to Sheep for a farm. Through a series of events the stone ended up in God's hands who placed it in the night sky whereupon it became the moon. Indeed the royal denotation of the Ball Python's scientific name (Python regius) is no accident. It was prohibited by laws for anyone but nobility to own a Ball Python, punishable by death! :O

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Originally Posted by SERPENT_MASTERS

The Ekoi people of Nigeria tell a tale of Python, who took from his mouth a shining stone and sold it to Sheep for a farm. Through a series of events the stone ended up in God's hands who placed it in the night sky whereupon it became the moon. Indeed the royal denotation of the Ball Python's scientific name (Python regius) is no accident. It was prohibited by laws for anyone but nobility to own a Ball Python, punishable by death! :O

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Interesting I heard Cleopatra Story but not This One.. I feel Noble right now... :rofl:

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Originally Posted by Aes_Sidhe

Interesting I heard Cleopatra Story but not This One.. I feel Noble right now... :rofl:

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I felt the same way when i read it. :gj: we are noble lol! :bow:

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Originally Posted by Vilenica

Yes :banana: and ball pythons coil into a ball to defend themselves from their mortal enemy the king Cobra venom which they are somewhat immune to. They take a bite from the king, coil into a ball and thus cant be eaten by the cobra (snake eater) fight off the poison and bounce back. What a fascinating animal. You gotta love your balls!!!

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No offense here but the mortal enemy :rolleyes: are from South east asia and from Africa

That's a hell of a ride for either one of them :rolleyes: :rofl:

Interestingly enough you made the same mistake twice regarding king cobras

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But back to pred/prey ball pythons mortal enemies in africa are king cobras and the giant african rat (the latter also a food source)

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I am surprised you did not notice you made a mistake twice before someone pointed it out to you especially given that

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Originally Posted by Vilenica

Ive been around reptiles for over twenty years and this was always just common knowledge to me.

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Not an attack just seems like a strange mistake for someone that experienced. ;)

SIDE BAR - This species is particularly revered in the traditional religion of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is considered symbolic of the earth, being an animal that travels so close to the ground. Even among many Christian Igbos, these pythons are treated with great care whenever they happen to wander into a village or onto someone's property; they are allowed to roam freely or are very gently picked up and placed out in a forest or field away from any homes. If one is accidentally killed, many communities in Igboland will still build a coffin for the snake's remains and give it a short funeral.. :bow:

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Originally Posted by Seru1

Sometimes I like to joke that they are called Royal Pythons because they are such finicky eaters.

Her majesty down there decided to skip again last night. :P

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Maybe Her Majesty refuses to eat until you taste the food first for her...:rofl:

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

Maybe Her Majesty refuses to eat until you taste the food first for her...:rofl:

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I'm not Steve O and I ain't eaten no hopper :rofl:

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Originally Posted by BiggBaddWolf

Ummmmmm sorry but King Cobras are found in Southeast Asia and India, NOT Africa!!!!


Taken directly from Wikipedia
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The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's longest venomous snake, with a length up to 5.6 m (18.5 ft).[1] This species is widespread throughout Southeast Asia and parts of India, and is found mostly in forested areas. The king cobra is fierce, agile and can produce large amounts of highly potent venom in a single bite. It is one of the most dangerous and feared Asiatic snakes.[2]

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No offence but Wikipedia is a joke.

I'm not doubting the info in this case but not a great source to quote.

Gavin