Suma Ball Python Morph: Info, Facts, Pictures & More

Ball pythons are native to Central and Western Africa and have become increasingly popular pets. They are easy to handle, have long life spans, and come in various morphs. The Suma Ball Python, or Super Mahogany Ball Python, was initially produced in 2009. The Suma morph is produced by two copies of the co-dominant Mahogany gene.

When two Mahogany morphs are bred, 25% of their offspring will be the Suma morph. This morph can be variable but generally has a dark to black, patternless appearance with a copper-colored line down the body. Suma’s can also be jet black or have more copper coloration all over the body.

Quick Facts about Suma Ball Python Morph

Do Suma Ball Python Morphs Make Good Pets?

The Suma Ball Python will make a great pet for first-time snake owners. They are docile, handleable, and easy to care for. They are typically shy as babies but become increasingly more engaging as they age.

The Suma Ball Python has a lifespan of up to 30 years with proper husbandry and is generally inexpensive to keep once you get past the cost of the initial setup.

Appearance

The Suma Ball Python morph has a dark and patternless appearance. The coloration of the Suma morph can vary.

Most Sumas are very dark with a copper-colored line down the center of the body. Occasionally they have a copper color expanding beyond their center. The Suma morph can also be pure black.

How to Take Care of Suma Ball Python Morph

Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

The Suma Ball Python Morph is a cold-blooded reptile that has certain requirements when it comes to its habitat and care. Let us take a look at what you’ll need to help your snake thrive!

Tank

The Suma Ball Python requires a well-ventilated and secure enclosure. The vivarium can be glass or plastic. You need to supply two hides inside the enclosure, one for the hot side and another for the cool side. The snake will always need a fresh bowl of water available.

You should start with a 10 to 20-gallon vivarium for a hatchling. They will feel safer in the smaller enclosure, which prevents unnecessary stress. As juveniles, they can be housed in a 20-gallon or larger enclosure. An adult ball python should have a 30 to 40-gallon enclosure.

Lighting

Ball pythons do not require special lighting, such as UVB, like other reptiles. Your natural room lighting should mimic normal day-night cycles. If your Ball Python’s room is exceptionally dark during daylight hours, you should consider keeping the light on during the day and shutting it off at night.

Heating (Temperature & Humidity)

Temperature and humidity levels are especially important for the health of your Suma Ball Python. In terms of temperature, you will need to have a dedicated hot and cool side in your snake’s enclosure. You will want to ensure there is a hide available on each side. Heating tape or a heating mat is ideal for Ball Pythons and can be installed to heat a specific area of the tank.

The hot side should be 85°–91°F and never exceed 93°F. The cool side should be about 80°F and never below 75°F. The average ambient, or overall temperature of the enclosure should be around 82°F.

To ensure your temperatures are correct in your Suma Ball Python’s enclosure you will want to purchase thermometers. It’s best to have two thermometers so that you can measure temperature on the hot side and cool side.

As for humidity, Ball Pythons require 55% to 60% humidity in their enclosure. This humidity level allows the snake to keep their skin moist enough to shed properly. Maintaining proper humidity levels will also help prevent respiratory infections and other illnesses.

You can purchase an instrument called a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the enclosure. Hygrometers are generally very inexpensive.

Substrate

 You must ensure you have the proper bedding in your Suma Ball Python enclosure. You can use substrates such as fir bark, coconut husk, and aspen bedding.

Some great products with these substates include Repti Bark, Reptile Prime, Repti Chip, and Aspen Snake Bedding. You will never want to use cedar or sand in your Ball Python’s enclosure.

Feeding Your Suma Ball Python Morph

Suma Ball Pythons are constrictors that consume their prey whole. They need to feed on appropriately sized mice or rats. The size of its prey should be approximate to the width of the snake at the largest part of its body. They can be fed live, freshly killed, or frozen-thawed mice or rats.

Live rodents can inflict serious injuries. If you choose live feeding, the snake will need to be supervised during the feeding process. Young ball pythons should be fed once weekly. Adult ball pythons over 3 years of age typically eat once every 2 to 3 weeks.

The frequency of adult feeding is dependent on the size of the food, the time of year, and reproductive activity. Feeding too frequently can lead to obesity. Ball pythons are known for being finicky eaters. Any feeding concerns should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Keeping Your Suma Ball Python Morph Healthy

Suma Ball Python Morphs are generally healthy snakes with proper husbandry. However, there are some medical conditions that you should be on the lookout for. If your snake exhibits any unusual signs, you will need to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Lifespan

With proper care, your Suma Ball Python Morph can live anywhere from 20 to 30 years. In rare cases, Ball Pythons have been recorded living past 40 years of age.

Breeding

The breeding season for a Suma Ball Python Morph is primarily from mid-September through mid-November. Females generally lay 1 to 11 eggs per clutch. Females reach reproductive maturity around 27 months of age, while males reach their maturity much sooner, between 16 and 18 months of age.

The visually dominant traits of the Suma Ball Python Morph appear when breeding. Since their genetics can be combined with several others, there is a vast variety of Ball Pythons in the pet trade today.

Are Suma Ball Python Morphs Friendly? Our Handling Advice

After bringing home your new Suma Ball Python Morph, avoid handling it for up to 2 weeks to allow it to settle into the new habitat.

Ball Pythons are very docile snakes. They do not require social interaction for their mental health, so frequent handling is not necessary. Handling your snake multiple times in a day can cause it stress. It’s generally recommended to handle it one or two times weekly to keep your snake tame.

Snakes tend to bite when you are being mistaken for food or are causing them to feel threatened. Always wash your hands and observe your snake’s body language before handling.

Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect

Your Suma Ball Python Morph will be shed multiple times throughout its life. Younger snakes shed more often as they grow. The scales will look dull, and the eyes will start to look blue when your snake is getting ready to shed. It’s normal for your Ball Python to refuse meals close to the time.

The proper humidity level is vital for shedding. You can even raise the humidity in the enclosure slightly to help ensure a successful, complete shed. Ball pythons do not brumate. It is not unusual for adult ball pythons to eat much less or not eat at all during winter.

Generally, they will pick feeding back up in late winter or early spring. Any concerns should be discussed with a veterinarian.

How Much Do Suma Ball Python Morphs Cost?

Suma Ball Python Morphs typically cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. The ball python pet trade is constantly producing new morphs; prices tend to decrease once the breeding of a specific morph has been well established.

To ensure your snake’s overall health and well-being, you should set aside $150 to $500 for the initial setup costs.

Care Guide Summary

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a snake that breaks the common pattern of a normal Ball Python and takes on a darker look, the Suma Ball Python Morph may be the snake for you.

This generally docile and unique snake is a good choice for beginners and the most experienced snake enthusiasts.

• See Also: Do Ball Pythons Make Good Pets?

Featured Image Credit: PetKeen.com