I've just got my first ball python a month ago and joined and read this thread. How exciting that I get to the last page and find that its is happening again! I have a degree in conservation and wildlife management an I am super fascinated with evolution and this story has me thinking about why this would happen to a snake so old. I have a theory. There is a common occurrence with a lot of trees in which they will normally produce nuts or seeds once every several years, but when under stress, facing disease or impending death they will drop nuts every year until they die to give them the best chance of passing on their genetics. I wonder if after living so long and possibly never encountering a male Epitus's body decided the only way to pass on her genes would be to clone herself. Just a theory but it is absolutely fascinating.
Keep updating please.
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