Few reptiles have enjoyed as much popularity in captivity as the ball python (Python regis). The phrase "ball python morph" has become ubiquitous in herpetoculture, and the snakes themselves nearly ubiquitous in private collections.

I resisted the ball python "morph" craze for many years -- partly for personal reasons, preferring larger boids, and partly due to the high cost of ball python morphs. The animals' appeal has grown on me, however, and indeed, is difficult to deny: they are small in size, generally docile, and come in a vast array of different colors and patterns. In recent years, some of the most stunning ball python morphs have become more affordable to the average hobbyist, and so, with an ever-expanding market, the popularity of ball pythons has continued to grow.

Below are some of my breeding animals. I firmly believe that the future of ball python morph popularity lies in increasing the quality of individual morphs. It's always fun to see the latest and greatest combos, but if a high-dollar morph animal looks barely more impressive than a wild-type, what's the point?

Every keeper likes something slightly different; for most morphs, I am focusing on reduced-pattern, pale or brightly colored animals.