Why Python Regius?

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?"

cleopatra (idk how to spell her name) haha was said to have worn a ball python around her wrist or neck when she was alive, giving them the name royal python, weird huh? haha

I read in this ball python book that they are called royal pythons because certain tribes worship them & consider them a sacred animal

Really? Cleopatra!? Very cool. I definitely agree with the fact that tribes would worship them. 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). And this makes perfect sense. I guess it also makes sense that Cleopatra wore a ball python because in her time the Egyptians were deists and would worship snakes and crocodiles among other animals. But very neat nonetheless. Thanks

Wow, we learn somethin new everyday

Python regius is the scientific name.

There aren't really reasons for scientific names.. they're just latin names given to all species. Some names have more reasoning than others.

Python Regius is indeed the Latin name, actually they are Royal Pythons, and the Ball Python came from their tendancy to curl into a ball whenever they become frightened!!

Would Egypt have been humid enough for them?

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!!!

Immune to COBRA VENOM!? :O