Avogadro, our beautiful Ball Python, is just one of the many reptiles we have at our center! Avogadro is named after Amedeo Avogadro (1776-1856), an Italian scientist. He is remembered for his work in molecular theory. Avogadro's Law states that equal volumes of different gases have the same number of molecules if the temperature and pressure of the gases are the same.
Ball pythons have the calmest temperament of the African pythons. They are non-venomous constrictors, which means they kill their prey by squeezing it rather than through an injection of venom. Since ball pythons are non-venomous, they do not have fangs. Instead, they have approximately thirty teeth that are less than a quarter of an inch in size. They are called "ball pythons" because when they feel threatened or nervous they curl up into a ball. Avogadro will sometimes ball up, pictured above, when there is nothing to hold on to.
Avogadro has a unique pattern on his dorsal (body) scales that would allow him to blend into his natural habitat: South Africa. Avogadro also has pit organs, which contain a membrane that can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to one meter away. These organs can be seen in the picture above as the pink colored holes that look like extra nostrils located on either side of his face. Vipers, pythons, and boas all have these pit organs on their face.
Avogadro is just one of the many animals we use to increase students' and visitors' knowledge about their species. Want to help us with the successful care of our animals? Join others in sponsoring an animal at our center. Avogadro is waiting for someone to be his sponsor!