![]() Several other subspecies have been described at different times, but currently, these are no longer considered to be subspecies by many herpetologists and taxonomists. The subspecific name ortonii is in honor of American naturalist James Orton. Illustration of Boa constrictor eques (Eydoux & Souleyet 1842), synonymized into B. Boa imperator, Boa nebulosa and Boa sigma have been elevated to full species status. Some appear to be based more on location, rather than biological differences. Several subspecies of Boa constrictor have been described, but many of these are poorly differentiated, and further research may redefine many of them. Other common names include chij-chan ( Mayan), jiboia ( Latin American), and macajuel ( Trinidadian). Within the exotic pet trade, it is also known as a "BCC", an abbreviation of its scientific name, to distinguish it from other boa species, such as Boa imperator or "BCI." Though all boids are constrictors, only this species is properly referred to as a "boa constrictor"-a rare instance of an animal having the same common English name and scientific binomial name.Īll subspecies are referred to as "boa constrictors", and are part of a diverse group of New World boas referred to as "red-tailed" boas, comprising species of both Boa constrictor and Boa imperator. This article focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, and on the nominate subspecies B. Four subspecies are currently recognized. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae, found in tropical South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean. They are left on their own from the moment of birth.īoa constrictor can survive from 20 to 30 years in the wild.The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also called the red-tailed boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. Young boa constrictors are born with instinct to hunt. She can deliver up to 60 babies at a time. Winner gets opportunity to mate.įemale gives birth to live babies. Before mating, group of males wrestle to determine which one is the most dominant. When female is ready for mating, she releases specific odor to inform nearby males. Mating season lasts from April to August. After catching of the prey using the teeth, boa envelops the victim and squeezes the life out of it. Since boa is excellent hunter, indigenous people of South America use boa to eradicate pest, such as rodents.īoa constrictor is an ambush predator (it hunts the prey using the factor of surprise). When they reach adult size, they start to hunt and eat larger prey, such as monkeys, wild boars and deer. While they are young, boa constrictors eat smaller prey, like rats, mice and squirrels. It moves slowly, at the speed of only 1 mile per hour.īoa constrictor is a carnivore (meat-eater). Boa is also excellent swimmer, but it does not prefer life in the water.īoa constrictor is mostly terrestrial animal (lives on the ground). It spends part of its life in dense treetops. Taste of smell is located on tongue.īoa constrictor is nocturnal animal (active during the night).īoa constrictor can easily climb the tree. Other than that, boa uses taste of smell to find its victim. Teeth are used for catching of the prey.īoa constrictor has heat receptors that are used for detection of the warm-blooded prey. Color and body prints depend on the habitat (they provide camouflage).īoa constrictor has hooked teeth. It is covered with lines, circles, diamond-like or oval shapes. Boa weighs more than 100 pounds.īody of boa constrictor can be tan, yellow, red, pinkish or green in color. Boa is 2 feet long at birth, but it can grow to the length of 10-13 feet. They are placed on the list of endangered animals today.īoa constrictor is a large snake. High demand for boa's skin in the past resulted in reduced number of boas in the wild. Boa constrictor is known as one of the most beautiful snakes because of its colorful skin with interesting prints. It can also survive at different altitudes. Boa constrictor lives in variety of habitats: deserts, tropical rainforests, savannas and areas near human settlements. It can be found in South and Central America. Boa constrictor is a close relative of anaconda.
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