While these specimens are uncommon in the wild, in captivity they are common, where they are often selectively bred to produce a range of “morphs” of different colours. There are pigment defects in some specimen, such as albinism. constrictor species the common name of the “red-tailed boas.” In general, they have a brown, grey, or cream base colour, patterned with “saddles” of brown or reddish-brown that becomes more pronounced towards the tail. The colouring of boa constrictors can vary greatly depending on the locality. Scalationīoa imperator has 50 to 95 dorsal scales, 223 to 252 ventral scales, 43 to 69 subcaudal scales, 19 to 25 supralabial scales, and 1 to 3 anal scales. Constrictor meets the averages given above and sometimes tops them, as it is one of the relatively large Boa constrictor subspecies. The boa constrictor is considered a heavy-bodied snake and can weigh up to 60 lb (27 kg) (large specimens).Ī boa constrictor’s size and weight depends on the subspecies, availability of suitable prey, and locale. The normal size of mature female boas is between 2.1 and 3.0 m (7 and 10 ft), while males are 1.8 and 2.4 m (6 and 8 ft).įemales usually exceed 3.0 m (10 ft), especially in captivity, where lengths of up to 3.7 m (12 ft) or even 4.3 m (14 ft) can be seen.Īt the Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM 4961/2012), the largest recorded non-stretched dry skin is stored and measures 14.6 ft (14.3 m). The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with females usually being larger in both girth and length than males. The boa constrictor is a large snake, but compared to other large snakes, such as the reticulated python, Burmese python, or the sometimes sympatric green anaconda, it is only modestly scaled and can reach lengths of 0.91 to 3.96 m (3 to 13 ft) depending on the location and the availability of suitable prey. While some of these are contentious, nine subspecies are currently recognised. Its colour pattern is highly variable and recognizable, a hallmark of private collections and public displays. Though still exported from their native South America in significant numbers, it is widely bred in captivity.The boa constrictor is a well-known member of the Boidae family, mostly found in tropical South America, as well as some Caribbean islands. Proper animal husbandry is the most significant factor in captive lifespan. Captive longevity is 20 to 30 years, with rare accounts of over 40 years, making them a long-term commitment as a pet. This species does well in captivity, usually becoming quite tame. Ovoviviparous, females give birth to live young that average 15-20 inches (38–51 cm) in length. Their diet mostly consists of rodents, but larger lizards and mammals as big as ocelots are also reported to have been consumed. Prey includes a wide variety of mammals and birds. It is said that specimens from Central America are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more readily. Small individuals may climb into trees and shrubs to forage, but they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier. Habitatįlourishes in a wide variety of environmental conditions, from tropical rainforests to arid country. Lucia), on San Andrés, Providencia and many other islands along the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America. Also in the Lesser Antilles ( Dominica and St. Biology Rangeįound from northern Mexico through Central America ( Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) to South America north of 35°S ( Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Argentina. Other common names include "jibóia" ( Brazil) and "macajuel" ( Trinidadian, pronounced mah-cah-well). constrictor is also called the "common boa." ![]() This species is a rare instance of an animal having the same common and scientific binomial name.Īll subspecies are referred to as "boa constrictors".ī. Common namesĪll boids are constrictors, that is, they kill by squeezing their prey to suffocation. Here, the saddles break up into half rings of a pale cream color in vivid contrast with the red. Dorsally, the ground color is overlaid with a series of large tan-colored saddles that become lighter towards the tail. īoas have a color pattern that is brownish, and becomes brick red around the tail. Boas do not have organs that react to warmth around the mouth. There is a report of a boa reaching 5.6m in Trinidad, but it is believed that snake was an anaconda, Eunectes murinus, taken for a boa. Such sizes are rare, boas reaching 3m are considered large. Two animals from Suriname are currently the largest on record: One reached 411cm (13.5 ft), the other 427cm (a bit over 14 ft). The largest animals have been found in Northern south America. The size adult animals reach varies among subspecies.
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