Hey, first time poster here and desperately in need of assistance. Bought my spider ball python off kijiji from an apparent snake breeder who was downsizing his collection and selling hatchlings. The snake is a complete doll, however, the other day I was handling and inspecting him and found this gruesome little black buggar on his face. I immediately removed this insect and quickly washed everything in his enclosure...again. Ok, here's the issue. I've not seen anything since, down to bare bones in his enclosure (plastic hide, glass water dish, white paper towel bedding) seeing no evidence of mites YET. The thing is, he's a month and a half old roughly , and about 2 inches above his butthole there's this linear what looks like scratch which is darkish black in colour inside. Does not look infected and I would be more than happy to email anyone who specialises in mites to take a look at the picture! (writing this on my iPhone) I'm freaking out here. I live in Toronto Canada and have found it hard to locate natural chemistry reptile spray, but don't want to work myself up for nothing it if it only a mere scratch. Like I mentioned, the white paper towel is spotless at this point, and I was told by the pet store that occasionally some bugs to tend to get caught up in bedding (purchased reptibark for my enclosure which is sitting in the deep freeze for two weeks now, just to eliminate potential bugs!) If it is just a scratch I will take him to the vet, if it is mites I will have to locate/order repti spray...Someoe please help me, first snake ever and I want the best care for him! Also, haven't heard a word from the jerk breeder since I bought my little guy. Makes me sick! My email is: across.the.universe @ live.ca someone please email or reply to this! Thank you!!!