Ever think that my spider may be more adapted to this world then your normal?

[RobNJ]

I suggest that the spider morph is a relative to the normal type ball python that took a different evolutionary path. Both relatives have thier strengths and weaknesses... but both must have worked well enough for us to be able to find them in the wild like we did.

I am completely following you on this Mike, and find your perspective very interesting and well thought out...however, I just don't find myself convinced. I'm not one to call any irregularity a genetic defect, as so many morphs are well suited(color/pattern) for living in the wild. Your suggestion of spiders taking a different evolutionary path could only be determined by surveys and statistical data. I don't think that them being found in the wild is enough to go on, as many of our morphs came from the wild.

Although it may not be a worthwhile study, it would be an interesting one for sure...to survey spider bp populations vs. normals/wildtypes/various other wild morphs, see if there are any differences in prey of choice between them, etc...

All that said, I like spiders, and I don't mind their wobble. They are fascinating on their own and make incredible combos...the wobble, be it neurological defect or evolutionary gain, is part of the package, and I don't think people should let it worry them to the point of choosing not to work with spiders because of it.