The ball python (Python regius) is a nonvenomous python species found in Africa. This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in the pet trade, largely due to its typically docile temperament. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2] It is also known as royal python.[3] The name "ball python" refers to the animal's tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.[4] The name royal python (from the Latin regius) comes from the fact that rulers in Africa would wear the python as jewelry.