Boa constrictor constrictor itself reaches, and occasionally tops, the averages given above, as it is one of the relatively large subspecies of Boa constrictor. ![]() These smaller subspecies are generally insular populations. As such there are several populations of Boa constrictors that are known as "dwarf boas", such as the B.c. The size, and weight, of a Boa constrictor is dependent on subspecies, locale and the availability of suitable prey. The Boa constrictor is a heavy bodied snake, and large specimens can weight up to 27 kg (60Ibs). A report of a Boa constrictor growing up to 18½ ft (5.5m) was later found to be a misidentified Green Anaconda. It is common for female individuals to exceed 10 ft, particularly in captivity, where lengths of up to 12 ft or even 14 ft can be seen. As such the average size of a mature female boa is between 7-10 ft, whilst it is only 6-8 ft for the males. There is clear sexual dimorphism seen in the species with females generally being significantly larger, in both length and girth, than males. The Boa constrictor is a large snake, although only modestly sized in comparison to many other larger snakes such as the Reticulated and Burmese python, and can reach lengths of anywhere from 1-4 meters (3-13 feet) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. Other common names include "jibóia" (Latin American) and "macajuel" (Trinidadian, pronounced mah-cah-well). Within the exotic pet trade it is also known as a "BCC", an abbreviation of its scientific name, to distinguish it from other Boa constrictor subspecies such as the Boa constrictor imperator which is also regularly, and erroneously, referred to as a "red-tailed boa". constrictor, is often referred to specifically as the " Red-tailed Boa". (The distinction is shared with Tyrannosaurus rex.)Īll subspecies are referred to as "Boa constrictors", while the nominate subspecies, B. Though all boids are constrictors, only this species is properly referred to as "Boa constrictor" an almost unique instance of an animal having the same common and scientific binomial name. This profile focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, but also specifically on the nominate subspecies Boa constrictor. Ten subspecies are currently recognized, although some of these are controversial. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. It is a member of the Boidae family found in Central America, South America and some islands in the Caribbean. Status: Not listed on IUCN Red List CITES, Appendix II.The Boa constrictor ( Boa constrictor) is a large, heavy-bodied species of snake. The Boa constrictor ortoni is a Peruvian coastal boa. Habitat/range: Boa constrictors are found in various habitats, primarily in rainforest edges or clearings but can also be found in dry tropical forests, grasslands, woodlands and semi-desert areas. The young are born live and are independent soon after birth. Fertilization is internal Boa constrictors are ovoviviparous embryos develop within their mothers’ bodies. Only about 50 percent of adult females will reproduce annually. Reproduction: Males are polygynous, mating with several mate with multiple females females may mate with more than one male in a season. They are able to sense terrestrial and sound vibrations.Ĭommunication: Boas mainly communicate by use of chemosensory and visual signals ![]() Their vision is good (except when shedding). Senses: By flicking their tongues, the chemosensory organ in the top of their mouths, give them chemical cues about their surroundings. Boas kill by suffocating their prey by constricting as its coils around the animal. They are particularly unpredictable when shedding (vision is not good at this time).ĭiet: Usual food is large lizards, birds (such as antbirds) and small mammals (squirrels, opossums, spiny rats, pacas, agoutis and mice). Even though they are non-venomous, they will strike and can deliver a painful bite if threatened. Their prehensile tails are used for attaching to branches they become more terrestrial as they grow in size and age. If night temperatures are low, they may bask during the day. Males are usually smaller than females.īehavior: These snakes are solitary and nocturnal. Size: Adult average size is 6 -10 feet (1.5-2.4 m) long weight is less than 60 pounds (27 kg). Those boas referred to as “red-tails” have red colorations on the tail. The markings are on a background of cream, pale tan or gray. Boas have diamond, oval and/ or narrow rectangular-shaped patterns of brownish- red with black outlines. ![]() There are several subspecies that are identified mainly by their range, rather than their appearance, but form, size and color does occur within regions. Description: Orton’s boa is a subspecies of Boa constrictor.
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