Top 50 Most Popular Ball Python Morphs & Colors (With Pictures)

As a ball python enthusiast and keeper, I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer variety of colors and patterns these remarkable reptiles exhibit. Ball pythons have become increasingly popular in the reptile hobby, thanks to their docile nature, manageable size, and stunning appearance.

Caring for ball pythons is easy but choosing a morph could be very challenging as there are thousands of amazing morphs available for sale.

In this article, we’ll delve into the top 50 most popular ball python morphs that have captured the hearts and attention of reptile lovers everywhere.

From the exquisite Piebald to the mesmerizing Blue-Eyed Leucistic, these morphs offer an endless array of visually striking specimens, each with their own distinct charm and appeal.

What Are Ball Python Morphs?

Ball python morphs are the result of selective breeding, which brings out specific genetic traits to create visually stunning and unique appearances.

Ball python morphs have their roots in the pet trade, where breeders began to notice and appreciate the natural variations in color and pattern among wild-caught specimens.

As the demand for these beautiful snakes grew, so did the interest in breeding them for specific traits. Through careful and selective breeding, enthusiasts have been able to produce an astonishing array of ball python morphs, each more captivating than the last.

Genetics play a crucial role in determining the appearance of a ball python. Morphs are created by combining different genes that control color and pattern. Some genes are dominant, meaning they will always be expressed when present, while others are recessive and require two copies to show their effect.

An albino ball python with white and yellow scales, for example, is a distinct morph from a Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python, which is completely white and lacks pigment in its scales.

To be more scientific, ball python morphs are also known as polymorphism. Polymorphism is completely natural and is caused by a genetic mutation.

Polymorphism demonstrates that traits (such as color, size, and so on) can vary despite being derived from the same gene. This is how the same species, with naturally identical genetics, can appear so differently in different individuals.

Consider reindeer and its North American counterpart, the Caribou, as another example of polymorphism. They are the same species, Rangifer tarandus, despite differences in appearance, habitat, and domestication.

By understanding how these genes interact, breeders can predict the appearance of offspring and work towards creating new and exciting morphs.

How Many Ball Python Morphs Are There Exactly?

Now that you have a clear understanding of morphs and how they take place, let’s get into ball python morphs!

For starters, how many morphs are there? In reality, there are more than a thousand different morphs, if not two or three thousand! Breeders, you see, cross different morphs together to create what appears to be an infinite variety.

However, because covering all of these would be impossible, we’ve compiled a list of 50 of the most common morphs. These are the most well-known and easily accessible morphs.

The 50 Most Popular Ball Python Morphs

Acid Ball Python

First bred: Unknown
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $1,500 – $3,000
Color: Brown with lighter, irregular patterns
Main feature: Unique pattern mutation

The acid Ball Python is one of the newest Ball python morphs, which made their first presence around 2015. Their popularity keeps increasing year after year and it doesn’t seem like it’ll stop anytime soon.

Acid Ball Pythons have very unique coloring. Their base is usually black or dark brown and golden spots all over their body. Their belly is a yellow and black line going all the way down, making it look almost like a zipper.

The dominant gene in the acid Ball Python is one the only morph that can overpower an Ivory morph gene. So, I guess it’s safe to say that this is a pretty powerful morph.

It’s so strong that some breeders say it shatters other patterns, that can lead to the Acid Ball Python’s pattern looking somewhat incomplete.

Albino Ball Python

First bred: 1992
Breeder: Bob Clark
Price range: $200 – $500
Color: White with yellow or orange markings
Main feature: Lack of melanin, resulting in bright colors

Notorious for their yellow and white scales, this Ball python morph shows a recessive mutation that only takes place when both of the parents carry the gene. The albino ball python was actually the first recessive morph ever created.

Because of their albinism, they are unable to make common ball python colors like brown, black, orange, or red.

This python is a very recognizable morph with its distinct pinkish eyes and has become a lot more affordable over the past few years. You can expect to pay around $200-400 for the albino ball python.

Axanthic Ball Python

First bred: 1997
Breeder: John Chausmer
Price range: $200 – $1,200
Color: Black, white, and various shades of gray
Main feature: Lack of yellow pigmentation

The Axanthic Ball Pythons are very similar to traditional Ball pythons when you compare their pattern, but it has a different color scheme with silver, grey, black and white being predominant.

Just like the Albino ball python, this snake is also unable to produce shades of yellow and red. People say the Axanthic is basically an old black and white version of the regular ball python.

They start turning a shade of brown when they get old. You can get an Axanthic Ball Python for $200.

Banana Ball Python

First bred: 2003
Breeder: Will Slough
Price range: $200 – $600
Color: Bright yellow base color with purple to lavender markings
Main feature: Banana-like coloration

Banana ball pythons were first discovered in 2003. They have a co-dominant gene that makes bright yellow patches all-around their tan base. They also have dark brown freckles on their body as well.

When they first came out, breeders were willing to pay a whopping $25,000! But fortunately, they have become considerably cheaper since then.

Black Ball Python (Black-Backed)

First bred: Unknown
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $300
Color: Black back with brown sides and dark brown markings
Main feature: Black dorsal stripe

The Black Ball Python Morph (AKA Black-Backed Ball Python) has a pretty normal ball python pattern that, at first glance, might not seem that different.

However, if you look closer, you will notice these snakes have a stripe that runs parallel all the way to their spines.

A Black Ball Python has a dominant gene that is usually inherited by one half of their offspring. But, breeders have not been able to capture this gene for future breeding.

Black Pastel Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Dark brown base color with black markings
Main feature: Darker, more intense colors

The first successfully bred black Pastel Ball Python was in 2002. This morph is a co-dominant gene that makes a base color that tends to be usually a grayish-black shade.

Believe it or not, but Black Pastels can actually showcase a good amount of blushing.

When you flip the snake over, you’ll be surprised to notice that Black Pastel Ball Pythons typically don’t have a single mark on their underside.

Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python(BEL)

First bred: Mid-2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $500 – $1,500
Color: Solid white
Main feature: Blue eyes and all-white body

Undeniably striking, the Blue-Eyed Leucistic, are those that have Leucism, which happens when there is a lack of pigmentation.

Even though you can find this morph in the wild, it’s been one of the most liked by breeders for years. The BEL Python needs specific breeding from phantom, Butter, Lesser, Russo, or mojave pythons.

However, just breeding the right morphs isn’t enough to make a Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Morph…

The problem is that this morph can actually take 3-4 generations to be produced! And even after 3 or 4 generations are born, it’s still not guaranteed that you’ll be left with a Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python.

Since it takes a long time and is pretty hard to produce Blue-Eyed Leucistics, its no surprise that they’re very expensive..

Blue-Eyed Lucy Ball Python

First bred: Mid-2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $500 – $1,500
Color: Solid white
Main feature: Blue eyes and all-white body, similar to BEL

The Blue-Eyed Lucies is a morph with the Blue-Eyed Leucistic complex. This snake is bred from Lesser and Mojave morphs.

Their bright eyes, unlike those of other leucistic or albino snakes, are not overly sensitive to light.

Most Blue-Eyed Lucy morphs have faint yellow stripes all around their body, making them slightly less desirable than their counterparts. But, these snakes still sell for at least $700.

Bongo Pastel Ball Python

First bred: 2012
Breeder: Dan and Colette Sutherland
Price range: $400 – $700
Color: Light brown base color with golden brown markings
Main feature: Enhanced color and pattern

The bongo pastel was first successfully bred in 2012, making it one of the newest ball python morphs.

This morph was made after breeding a regular single gene bongo with a pastel ball python.

These snakes have black or brownish bash that fades into a white along the sides of its stomach. Their pattern is pretty similar to a normal Bongo but with less markings along its spine and “alien-head” spots at their sides with black in the center.

But, because of their pastel gene, the spots in the pastel bongo are much brighter than the regular Bongo.

Bumblebee Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Kevin McCurley
Price range: $250 – $500
Color: Yellow with black markings
Main feature: Combination of Pastel and Spider morphs

The bumblebee ball python is produced when you breed a spider and a pastel ball python.

Bumblebees can differ a lot when it comes to their coloring, with some of them being more cream and others more yellowish colored.

The bright yellow ones are often referred to as “Killer bees” and they usually retain their color even once they are fully grown, unlike other snakes that fade as they age.

Butter Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Soft yellow or tan with reduced pattern
Main feature: Similar to Lesser morph, but with a slightly different coloration

The butter morph was named for its caramel and buttery colored scales. First bred in 2001, the butter ball python has co-dominant genes.

If you breed two butter ball pythons together they can even produce a blue-eyed Lucy, but this is very rare and could take many generations.

Most of the time, two butter pythons end up creating a super butter morph, which is a pale yellow color

Candino Ball Python

First bred: 2008
Breeder: Brian Barczyk
Price range: $300 – $600
Color: White with lavender or pink markings
Main feature: Combination of Candy and Albino morphs

Candino ball pythons are formed when you breed an Albino with a candy. They are fairly rare and can be identified from their bright yelow spots and pinkish or purple base.

They are a designer ball python which means they have very rare mutations that have almost 0% chance of being in the wild.

Since these are a designer morph, Candinos can be on the slightly pricier side, typically being between $300-$600.

Candy Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $400 – $800
Color: Lavender base color with faded purple markings
Main feature: Unique lavender coloration

Unlike all the other morphs on this list, the candy ball python actually get more valuable as they grow!

This is because they change colors. They start out as an albino when they are born, but then turn a dark purple, with their base being gray with bright yellowish spots as they age.

This snake was first found in 2009, and shares its co-dominant patterns with the Albino ball python and the Toffee ball python morphs as well.

Champagne Ball Python

First bred: 2005
Breeder: EB Noah
Price range: $250 – $600
Color: Tan or orange with irregular or reduced patterns
Main feature: Pattern and color mutation

Champagne Ball Python morphs have tan or orange colored scales and a white underbelly but no clearly distinguishable pattern. They are a Co-Dominant mutation discovered in 2005.

Champagnes, also known as “Pumas,” are one of the more unusual patterns because they don’t really have one. As a result, breeders primarily use them to create other morphs or to test for Co-Dominant morphs.

When bred with other morphs, they have the unique ability to reduce or brighten patterns in offspring.

Chocolate Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $350
Color: Rich brown base color with dark brown markings
Main feature: Chocolate-like coloration

The Chocolate ball python is rich and indulgent in color, similar to a fudgy brownie, with darker brown and black pigmentation and a distinct healthy sheen to the scales.

They’re a fairly simple morph with a typical head color and pattern, and they’ve been popular since their discovery in 1999. They do, however, have gorgeous caramel-colored keyholes and balloon-shaped alien heads.

Regular chocolate pythons typically cost $100 or less, but more intense color variations can easily cost 2-3X that.

Cinnamon Ball Python

First bred: Late 1990s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Dark brown base color with lighter brown markings
Main feature: Cinnamon-like coloration

A Cinnamon Ball Python morph, discovered in 2002, lives up to its name, with a dark brown base and rich reddish-brown coloring offset by bronze colored alien heads and rings that can be heart shaped.

Crossing two Cinnamons with co-dominant genes results in a Super Cinnamon, which turns grayish-brown with age. They also have a light underside and no pattern.

Expect to pay around $75 for a typical Cinnamon Ball. But what about a Super Cinnamon? Expect to pay at least 5 times this amount, as they normally sell for between $400 and $500.

Clown Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: VPI (Vincent Russo)
Price range: $300 – $1,500
Color: Brown base color with dark brown markings and reduced pattern
Main feature: Unique pattern mutation

With their distinct pattern and coloring, it’s no surprise that the Clown Ball pythons are the result of a strong recessive mutation that can cause each one to look quite different from the next.

Their coloring is typically brown and tan, with shades of copper that fade out as they reach their belly.

Discovered in 1999 clowns ball python morphs are thought to be named after the unusual pattern found on their faces that resembles face paint.

The dark patches also have a teardrop shape towards the underbelly. But, the real show stopper is the head, which can have both light and dark scales.

Coral Glow Ball Python

First bred: 2010
Breeder: Amir Soleymani
Price range: $300 – $600
Color: Vibrant orange or yellow base color with lavender markings
Main feature: Similar to Banana morph, but with slightly different coloration

Coral Glow Ball Pythons, also known as “White Smokes” by some, were discovered in 2002 and are a well-known hypomelanistic morph.

Coral Glows have a lovely lilac and greyish base color with gorgeous orange blotches that fade into yellow, giving them a glowing appearance, hence their name.

They are co-dominant and can even change color as they age, with some developing tiny black spots that resemble freckles. Even though they’ve been around for a while, it’s not uncommon to find a Coral Glow for $300 or more.

Dreamsicle Ball Python

First bred: 2011
Breeder: Justin Kobylka
Price range: $2,500 – $5,000
Color: White with lavender or orange markings
Main feature: Combination of Lavender Albino and Piebald morphs

Dreamsicles are another designer ball python morph that can take 2-4 generations of breeding to achieve.

This morph is extremely difficult to obtain because it needs the crossing of the Albino-Lavender and Piebald genes, both of which are recessive.

Their base is frequently pinkish-white, with a soft cloud pattern scattered randomly down the body. Their blotches are vividly defined and a dreamy bright orange color.

They have been extremely popular since 2007 and can still command asking prices of $2,500 or more.

Enchi Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Lars Brändén
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Bright golden or orange base color with reduced pattern
Main feature: Enhances color and reduces pattern when combined with other morphs

The Enchi Ball Pythons were discovered as a breeding pair in 2002 and come all the way from Ghana, Africa!

Enchis have brighter colors than normal ball pythons, especially on their orange sides, as well as more blushing and a round pattern on their head.

When crossed with other morphs, they become co-dominant, resulting in offspring with vividly defined patterns. And, while the coloring may appear subtle at birth, it will only intensify as they grow older.

Fire Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $400
Color: Light brown or yellow base color with reduced pattern
Main feature: Brightens and enhances color when combined with other morphs

The Fire Ball Python, which was first bred in 1995, is frequently used to produce Blue Eyed Leucistics, which are MUCH lighter than a regular ball python with Co-Dominant genes.

A Fire will have less brown pigmentation as well as a reduced pattern. As a result, a Fire has more tan than a Normal, as seen by its coffee-colored, thinly banded pattern.

When two Fires mate, a Super Fire is created with much more fiery colors. Supers, also known as Black-Eyed Leucistics, have a white base with yellowish spots and blood red eyes.

Fire Ivory Ball Python

First bred: Mid-2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $300 – $800
Color: Creamy white with subtle yellow or orange markings
Main feature: Combination of Fire and Ivory morphs

It may seem obvious, but the Fire Ivory Ball Python morph was created in 2012 when an Ivory and a Fire were crossed.

However, because Ivories are created from two co-dominant Yellow Bellies, the one-of-a-kind Fire Ivory is the result of three distinct genes (Yellow bellies, Fire, and Ivory).

With a lavender and pink base, these unique snakes have a grayish blushing and don’t have a pattern except for a single yellow stripe that runs down the middle of their back.

GHI Ball Python

First bred: 2007
Breeder: Matt Lerer
Price range: $300 – $800
Color: Dark brown base color with light brown markings
Main feature: Darker coloration and a reduced pattern

The GHI or “Gotta Have It” Morph is a relatively new morph that was discovered in 2007. It is one of the more rare ball python morphs and an exciting find.

The GHI, which is the result of co-dominant genes, is dark in nature, with a black base and highlighted blotches ranging from golden brown to orange brown.

Their blotches are also distinguished by dark specks. As you move your gaze to their belly, you’ll notice that their base color has begun to fade out in between the blotches, with silver flames near the edges.

Ghost Ball Python

First bred: Late 1990s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $400
Color: Faded brown or gray base color with subtle markings
Main feature: Hypomelanism, which causes reduced pigmentation

The Ghost Ball Python morph has the appearance of a hazy night near the sea, with muted colors that almost appear to be faded by a layer of fog.

This type of coloring is known as “Hypomelanistic Coloration.” Their coloring is typically yellowish tan, with grayish flames running along their belly.

Although Ghost Ball Pythons have a muted coloring that makes them look like shedding ball pythons, their pattern is normal and fairly simple.

Highway Ball Python

First bred: 2007
Breeder: NERD (Kevin McCurley)
Price range: $800 – $2,000
Color: Yellow base color with dark brown or black markings
Main feature: Combination of Yellow Belly and Gravel morphs

Another designer morph, the Highway ball Python, was created when a Yellow Belly and a Gravel were crossed.

Highways are distinct in that they can vary significantly from one snake to the next. Some, for example, have a warm brown base, while others have a pastel yellow base. Some are ringed, while others are solid.

But do all Highway morphs have one thing in common? A broken yellow stripe that runs down their spine.

These stripes can sometimes be shadowed as well, making their pattern appear even brighter. As one might expect, the greater the contrast in the coloring of a Highway, the higher the asking price.

Ivory Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $300 – $600
Color: Creamy white with faint yellow markings
Main feature: Super form of Yellow Belly morph

The Ivory, a super form of the Yellowbelly, is a striking off-white snake with beige and peach coloring that can be mistaken for a blue-eyed leucistic when young.

Ivories, also known as “Super Yellow Bellies,” are a designer morph with Co-Dominant genes.

When you examine their heads, you’ll notice a grayish lavender blushing, though some Ivories have dark or bright spots on their heads as well.

Lavender Albino Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: NERD (Kevin McCurley)
Price range: $600 – $1,200
Color: White base color with lavender or pink markings
Main feature: T+ Albino mutation

The Lavender Albino Ball Python, the result of a combination of both recessive Lavender AND Albino genes, has a stunning color mutation that, when first discovered in 2001, warranted a staggering $40,000 sale!

So, what is it about these snakes that makes them so beautiful? To begin, their soft lavender base contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow blotches.

Furthermore, their piercing red eyes give them a fiercely beautiful stare that many breeders only wish to produce!

Lemon Blast Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $200 – $500
Color: Yellow base color with dark brown or black markings
Main feature: Combination of Pastel and Pinstripe morphs

Lemon Blast, a designer morph created in 2003, is the result of a cross between Pinstripe and Pastel genes.

The Lemon Blast is distinguished by its bright yellow base, which is offset by a linear pinstripe pattern in black and dark brown. However, some Lemon Blasts have a rich orange base with no pattern on the spine.

Lesser Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Ralph Davis
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Light brown or tan base color with reduced pattern
Main feature: One of the base morphs for Blue-Eyed Leucistic

The Lesser Ball Python morph, which was successfully bred in 2001, looks very similar to a Butter, but with a slightly more brown coloring.

The base color will be a soft brown that may blush and lighten, especially around their belly. Their head will resemble that of a normal ball python, but with brown coloring.

Lessers were revolutionary at the time of their introduction, selling for as much as $30,000! Today, however, breeders can produce them with little to no difficulty.

Mojave Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Brown base color with lighter brown markings and reduced pattern
Main feature: One of the base morphs for Blue-Eyed Leucistic

The Mojave, which was successfully bred for the first time in 2000, is a sight to behold with its unique bright yellow design and a white underbelly.

Mojaves are Co-Dominant mutations that are well-known for their ability to produce a wide range of morphs, including Blue Eyed Leucistics.

They are easily identified by their dark brown or blue-black base coloring and flaming that ranges from creamy tan to bright yellow and rich brown.

Their alien head pattern is similar to that of normal ball pythons, but their flames differ in that they only have one keyhole.

Mystic Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $400
Color: Dark brown base color with light brown markings and reduced pattern
Main feature: Similar to Mojave morph, but with a slightly different pattern

The Co-Dominant Mystic Ball Python is by no means a dull-looking morph, but it’s also not as bold or vibrant as some others. Mystics are somewhat similar to Mojaves, but with less vibrant coloring.

The Mystic, which was first bred in 2005, actually changes color quite a bit as it ages, often being born with a dark brown or black base that will lighten as they grow older.

As an adult, your Mystic will have a striking grayish purple base with a pattern that lacks alien heads entirely.

When it comes to their heads, they are typically dark in color with little to no blushing.

Pastel Ball Python

First bred: Late 1990s
Breeder: Greg Graziani
Price range: $75 – $200
Color: Yellow base color with green or black markings
Main feature: Color mutation that enhances yellows and reduces pattern

A Pastel Ball Python morph is a Co-Dominant mutation that is one of the MOST popular morphs available today.

The Pastel, which was first bred in 1997, has a brown base that often appears to be blushing. Their belly is white, and their eyes are a soft green color, similar to those seen in cartoons!

Their blotches have intense yellow pigmentation, but as they age, they can turn brownish yellow. Pastels are popular among breeders because they can be used to brighten up yellow and recessive genes.

When two Pastels are bred together, a Super Pastel Ball Python morph is produced.

Super Pastels differ in appearance from regular Pastel morphs quite a bit…

They have a faint yellow pattern with a purple blushing color that breeders and enthusiasts refer to as “Purple Haze.” On top of that, their pattern is messy, with some banding and more keyholes than a Pastel.

If you have your heart set on buying a Pastel, you’ll be relieved to know that they typically cost between $75 and $100. Meanwhile, Super Pastels are a little more expensive, typically costing around $150.

Pewter Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $200 – $500
Color: Gray or silver base color with dark gray or black markings
Main feature: Combination of Pastel and Cinnamon morphs

The designer Pewter Ball Python morph was founded in 2003 by crossing a Pastel with a Cinnamon. It has a light brown base with a thick stripe that runs down the spine.

Pewter keyholes are frequently yellowish-golden in color, with dark brown or black outlines and similar colored centers. Their patterns can differ slightly from one snake to the next, with some having highly erratic patterns.

Despite the variation in pattern, the color scheme for Pewters is fairly consistent.

Phantom Ball Python

First bred: Mid-2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $200 – $500
Color: Dark brown base color with light brown or gray markings and reduced pattern
Main feature: Related to the Mojave morph, but with a different pattern

Phantoms are extremely dark but not quite black, with a rich black-brown base, dark yellow alien heads, and black spots.

They are frequently confused with Mojaves, despite the fact that their genes are more similar to those of the Mystic.

Phantoms, on the other hand, have less blushing and more brown coloring than Mojaves. You’ll probably also notice spots on their spines and stripes leading to their tails.

They were successfully bred for the first time in 2001, but they were not recognized until 2005.

Piebald Ball Python

First bred: 1990s
Breeder: Peter Kahl
Price range: $300 – $600
Color: White base color with random patches of normal pattern
Main feature: Unique white and patterned patches due to incomplete dominance

A Piebald Ball Python morph is easy to identify given the long, milky white body that separates areas of ordinary coloring from one another. It is one of the most unusual and rare ball python morphs.

A Piebald is similar to what you’d get if you used a magic eraser to remove the coloring from the middle of a Ball Python, leaving only the normal pattern on the head and towards the tail.

Despite this highly irregular pattern, Piebald ball pythons almost always have a normal appearance.

The Piebald was created around 1997 and it was the result of a recessive gene. A Piebald can now be purchased for around $300 on average.

Pinstripe Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Brian Barczyk
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Brown or gold base color with thin, dark brown or black pinstripes
Main feature: Unique pinstripe pattern

The Pinstripe Ball Python morph, a Dominant gene, was discovered in 2001 and is named after the long stripe that runs all the way its back.

Breeders adore this stripe because it is a fantastic way to dramatically alter patterns in offspring. Pinstripes, for example, can contribute to the creation of the relatively newer morph Lemon Blast when crossed with Pastels.

In terms of color, a Pinstripe should have a rich caramel to copper base with a patternless stripe running from head to tail.

They usually have skinnier strips that run down their back, as well as lighter colored flames.

Purple Passion Ball Python

First bred: Mid-2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $400 – $600
Color: Lavender or purple base color with subtle markings
Main feature: Combination of Mojave and Phantom morphs

When you cross a Mojave’s co-dominant gene with a Phantom, what do you get? You will receive the stunning Purple Passion Ball Python morph, which was first bred in 2007!

These snakes have a creamy lavender pink base and no patterns on their sides. Some can, however, have broken up, disconnected blotches with keyholes, though this is uncommon.

An off-white stripe runs down their spine, which contrasts beautifully with their dreamy base color. Their eyes are piercing dark brown or black in color.

Red Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Deep red or burgundy base color
Main feature: Red coloration due to a recessive gene

Red Ball Pythons are a relatively simple morph that looks very similar to a normal ball python with the exception of their coloring.

A Red Ball Python morph is born with a dominant trait that causes their coloring to change as they age, often tinting their blotches a deep red. Breeders adore the Red morph for producing offspring with rich red and copper hues.

Ringer Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $200 – $500
Color: Brown base color with white or yellow rings
Main feature: Unique ring pattern due to incomplete dominance

Ringers, like Piebalds, have a place on their body where the color breaks down into milky white scales. However, the sections on a Piebald are much smaller.

In fact, the area is usually in the tail and accounts for only about 5% of the snake’s total length.

They are born from normal ball python parents and are frequently used by breeders to determine which snakes have Pied genes.

As a result, if you have a Ringer, you may be a het pied (have the Piebald gene), but this is not guaranteed.

Scaleless Ball Python

First bred: 2013
Breeder: BHB Reptiles (Brian Barczyk)
Price range: $4,000 – $10,000
Color: Varies, but without scales
Main feature: Lacking scales, leading to a smooth appearance

The Scaleless Ball Python Morph, which was first bred in 2013, is possibly the most unique morph on this list! These unique beauties, a relatively newer morph, were created by combining Scaleless Head morphs.

They don’t have scales, as you might have guessed, and instead have skin. This varies from snake to snake, as some have no scales and others have only a few small patches of skin.

ALL Scaleless Ball Pythons, on the other hand, have scales on their bellies. This allows them to move along the ground safely and comfortably without injuring their belly.

Spider Ball Python

First bred: Late 1990s
Breeder: NERD (Kevin McCurley)
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Brown or gold base color with dark brown or black web-like markings
Main feature: Unique web-like pattern

A Spider Ball Python morph, a dominant mutation, first appeared in 1999.

Spiders have a light tan to medium brown base color that fades to pale on their spine.

They have small black and/or dark brown bands and spots at the top of their head. Their dark markings almost always show a noticeable reduction.

Spiders can be used to create many other morphs, but they can have neurological issues due to the “Head Wobble.”

Spotnose Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $400
Color: Brown base color with light brown or gold markings
Main feature: Distinctive head pattern and reduced body pattern

The Spotnose Ball Python morph has spots on both sides of its nose, making it one of the more aptly named morphs on this list.

The Spotnoses gene, a Co-Dominant gene, was discovered in 2005 and displays a pattern similar to that of ball pythons BUT with more alien heads and a more dramatic faded light brown coloring.

At first glance, and to the untrained eye, a Spotnose may appear to be a typical ball python.

When they are bred, their gene only affects the pattern and color of their offspring’s heads, making their genes relatively weak in general.

Stormtrooper Ball Python

First bred: 2017
Breeder: JK Reptiles
Price range: Unknown
Color: White base color with random black markings
Main feature: Unique and rare pattern mutation

The Stormtrooper Ball Python morph was created by accident in 2015 as a result of pure luck. The breeder had intended for the morph to be Pastel-Axanthic at the time.

A Stormtrooper’s coloring consists of a pure white base with pitch black bands that vary in thickness. As you might have guessed, their coloring is identical to that of the Star Wars character.

The Stormtrooper, on the other hand, is still a messy morph that has yet to be stabilized and controlled by breeders.

In fact, its coloring has darkened over time, with an increasing number of snakes being born with blacker coloring and less white. This gene is known as the “Darkness Genetice.”

It is currently impossible to get a stormtrooper Ball python.

Sunset Ball Python

First bred: 2010
Breeder: Brian Barczyk
Price range: $1,000 – $10,000
Color: Orange or red base color with dark markings
Main feature: Vibrant sunset-like coloration

The Sunset Ball Python morph was created in 2012 from basic morphs… Imagine the breeder’s surprise when it hatched!

With its auburn base color, copper blotches, and deep red head, this snake resembles a fiery sunset.

Given the rarity of this ball python morph, it was no surprise that the first Sunset Ball Python was sold for $70,000!

The price has dropped significantly now that the gene has been stabilized and controlled by breeders.

You will, however, spend a significant amount of money, as a typical Sunset Ball Python will cost you upwards of $1,000.

Super Blast Ball Python

First bred: Mid-2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $200 – $600
Color: Yellow or orange base color with dark markings
Main feature: Combination of Super Pastel and Pinstripe morphs

The Super Blast Ball Python morph was created by crossing a Pinstripe and a Super Pastel. It has a super bright yellow base with very some black lines running down its sides.

They also have a light colored stripe down the center of their back. Their heads frequently have dark spotting that contrasts dramatically with the lighter color of their body.

With their eye-catching appearance, you may be surprised to learn that a Super Blast Ball Python is actually quite affordable…

Tiger Ball Python

First bred: 2010s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $100 – $300
Color: Orange or gold base color with dark tiger-like stripes
Main feature: Unique tiger stripe pattern

The Tiger Ball Python morph, also known as the “Desert Enchi,” is made by combining the co-dominant Enchi gene with the dominant Desert morph gene.

Tiger morphs have an irregular pattern on their back that appears to be bands formed by the dark black patches that stretch across them.

A Tiger is similar to a Spider and a Banded in that they both appear to have large areas of black across their backs. Tiger bands, on the other hand, are much thicker and a darker black than Spider bands.

Tigers are a bright yellow as a base color, but this will often fade into a deep orange as they age. The head of a tiger is dark, despite the fact that the side of the head as well as the mouth are usually a lighter color.

Vanilla Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $400
Color: Light brown or tan base color with slightly reduced pattern
Main feature: Enhances color and pattern when combined with other morphs

When two light normal ball pythons were bred together, the Vanilla Ball Python morph, a Co-Dominant morph, was discovered to be genetic.

The Vanillas are lighter than normal and exhibit normal patterns, but they tend to become lighter and lighter over time.

Their foundation is made up of various shades of brown that appear to be blushing. Their hair is a faded brown color. However, they are frequently seen with blush heads, similar to a Pastel.

Vanillas are popular among breeders because they can help produce brightly colored offspring.

White Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $600 – $1000
Color: Pure white, sometimes with faint yellow markings
Main feature: Extremely rare, pure white coloration

The White Ball Python Morph, which was created by accident in 2007, is completely white, making it the “cleanest” of the Leucistics.

As a result, their scales are completely devoid of pigment. In fact, their dark brownish black eyes are the only color on their body.

Woma Ball Python

First bred: Early 2000s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $150 – $400
Color: Brown base color with light brown or gold markings and reduced pattern
Main feature: Similar to the Spider morph, but with a different pattern

The Woma Ball Python morph, which often resembles a Normal, is a basic morph that was created in 1999.

The Woma Ball Python is distinguished from other snakes by its thin banded pattern, yellow lips, and clean belly. In fact, it was named “Woma” after the Woma Python, which also has a banded pattern.

Breeders adore the Woma gene as a Dominant gene because of its ability to produce truly unique and striking mutations. It is, however, not the easiest morph to breed…

The Woma has offspring that vary in appearance from clutch to clutch. As a result, attempting to emphasize or diminish specific characteristics can be difficult.

Unfortunately, they cannot be bred amongst themselves because Super Womas have health issues and live a short life.

Yellow Belly Ball Python

First bred: Late 1990s
Breeder: Unknown
Price range: $75 – $200
Color: Brown or gold base color with yellow belly
Main feature: Belly color mutation, often combined with other morphs to create new variations

If you don’t look closely, you might miss this morph entirely!

With the exception of a slightly yellowed, clear colored belly, the Yellow Belly Ball Python morph, which is co-dominant, can appear quite normal.

Some Yellow Bellies have more dramatic and rich coloration and strips on the edge of their underside.

Many breeders prefer Yellow Bellies for their ability to produce highly pigmented offspring when bred with specific morphs.

The History of Morphs in Reptiles

Since most morphs have little or no cryptic color patterns of their normal-looking counterparts, unusually colored snakes stand out in the environment. Hawks and other sharp-eyed predators, including humans, can usually spot them easily.

As a result, humans have most likely encountered unusually colored ball pythons and other snakes for millennia.

However, instead of keeping these unusual creatures as pets, early humans most likely ate them. However, as time passed, people began eating fewer snakes (though they remain on menus around the world) and keeping more of them as pets. A few morphs eventually made their way into the hands of snake breeders, and captive lines were established.

The albino (amelanistic) corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) gene was most likely the first to become established in the hobby.

Dr. Bernard Bechtel caught the original animal in North Carolina and bred it six years later. However, because the amelanistic gene is passed down in a simple recessive fashion, it wasn’t until these initial offspring were bred back to the father that the first captive-bred albino snakes were produced in 1961.

Other mutations would follow, and by the 1980s, albino (amelanistic) common boas (Boa constrictor) and Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) were becoming popular among breeders.

Ball python breeders were searching through shipments looking for unusual ball pythons by the late 1980s and early 1990s. Several abnormal genetic mutations were found during (and after) this time period, but the albino (amelanistic) ball python line created by Bob Clark in 1992 was the first ball python morph to be produced in captivity.

Since then, dozens of other morphs have entered the hands of breeders (and some have spontaneously appeared in normal-looking lines). Modern ball python enthusiasts can select from a variety of ball pythons.

Patterns of Inheritance

Different morphs of ball python are passed down in various ways. When looking for your own ball python morph, it is critical to understand these inheritance patterns.

But first, you must understand three key terms:

Allele – One of two or more versions of a gene found on the same chromosome. Alleles include the albino (amelanistic) gene and the gene that produces melanin.

Homozygous – Refers to animals that have two copies of the same allele. Animals with two copies of the albino (amelanistic) gene, for example, are considered homozygous.

Heterozygous – Refers to animals with two different alleles. Heterozygous animals, for example, might have one copy of the albino (amelanistic) gene and another copy that creates adequate amounts of melanin.

With these definitions in hand, we can start talking about how ball python mutations are passed down. In general, most morphs are inherited in one of four ways:

Recessive Simple

When simple recessive traits occur in pairs, they are expressed. For instance, albinism (amelanism) is a simple recessive trait. This means that certain animals with two copies of the albino (amelanistic) gene will exhibit the trait. Those who have one or no copies of the albino (amelanistic) gene will appear perfectly normal.

Dominant

Dominant traits appear whenever the relevant gene is present. In ball pythons, the pinstripe morph is an example of a dominant trait. Any animal with a single copy of the pinstripe trait will have the appearance of a pinstripe. Normal-looking animals, on the other hand, cannot have these genes.

Dominant and Incomplete Dominance

Strictly speaking, the terms incomplete dominant and co-dominant focus on different kinds of inheritance, but in herpetological contexts, they are frequently used interchangeably. Whatever you call them, these characteristics appear when a single copy of the gene is present.

When two copies of the mutation are active, the animal has a “super” look, which is a more exaggerated form of the normal, heterozygous form.

Polygenetic

Some traits, such as many striped appearances, are polygenic, which means they are controlled by multiple genes. Because these characteristics are more difficult to reproduce in a predictable manner, enthusiasts rarely consider them “morphs.”

While you don’t need to know the biological details of inheritance patterns, it’s important to understand the fundamentals. If nothing else, the inheritance pattern can help you understand the supply-and-demand principles that influence the price of different morphs.

For example, morphs passed down in an unfinished dominant/co-dominant fashion frequently decrease in value much faster than those passed down in a simple recessive fashion.

How to Tell Ball python morphs apart

Generally, when trying to tell ball python morphs apart, you’ll want to look at a few things that are shared by all snakes.

Knowing the following areas of interest will help you in identifying ball python morphs.

1: Look At Their Overall Color

What colors do you notice when you look at the snake’s body?

What about the color saturation and intensity?

If you can develop a keen eye for color, particularly in distinguishing similarly colored snakes from one another (think of a Lesser and a Butter), you’ll be well on your way to completing the difficult part.

Color is essentially the FIRST thing breeders consider when deciding what to call a specific morph! So, if you know your colors, you’ll know your morphs.

2: Examine Their Pattern

Aside from color, I believe that being able to spot pattern differences between morphs is the most reliable way to tell them apart.

When examining patterns, you should consider a number of factors…

Examine the alien heads on the snake to begin.

What is the shape of them?

Do they usually have one or two eyes?

Then, proceed to the flames. The flames can be found by looking for lighter areas that come up the sides from the belly and resemble flames. Finally, consider the overall shape of the markings that run down the dorsal. As an example…

Is there a pattern, stripes, bands, blotches, or something else?

3: Look for Blushing

Although it is not one of the most important physical differences to notice, blushing can be beneficial in some morphs. First, let’s make sure you understand what “blushing” in ball pythons means…

Blushing is the color change of the pigment that runs down the dorsal (spine) of a ball python. Blushing can be lighter or darker than the surrounding colors, and it can also be seen on the heads of some morphs.

4: Pay Attention to Eye and Head Color

Examining the eye and head color may not always help you identify a morph right away, but it can be useful. For example, some snakes may appear similar but have subtle differences in the coloring of their heads, such as the Vanilla’s blushed head, which distinguishes it from a typical ball python.

What Ball Python Morphs Have a Wobble?

“The Wobble” is a neurological condition that affects the motor skills of a ball python, most commonly in the head or neck.

The intensity of the Wobble varies from snake to snake…

Some snakes have very little Wobble and, as a result, can live a fairly normal life. Other snakes’ wobbles can be so severe that they have difficulty eating and even staying upright. However, in extreme cases, a snake with Wobble will simply struggle to strike accurately, so be cautious when hand feeding!

Fortunately, the Wobble does not cause any serious problems, but it can become exaggerated under stress, so keep them calm and happy.

The Morphs that are most Likely to Have The Wobble Are…

Spider
Champagne
Bumblebee
Woma
Hidden Gene Woma
Super Sable
Super Spotnose

Conclusion

As you can see, there are truly an infinite number of ball python morphs available when you consider all of the different combinations and unique pairings that breeders experiment with. And when it comes to appearance, well, you can pretty much expect an infinite number of options!

When attempting to distinguish one morph from another, keep the overall color and pattern (specifically, alien heads, flaming, and shapes) in mind above all else.