BOA CONSTRICTOR Scientific Name: Boa constricter Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Serpentes Physical Adaptations: Pinkish or tan, cream, golden, grey or brownish in color, with a pattern of brown, reddish-brown to black “saddles”, ovals or dorsal blobs Prominent dark red, reddish brown or brown markings on the tail Heat sensitive scales on snout to help locate prey Soft, black forked tongue that is used for detecting scents
Behavioral Adaptations:
Primary Diet: Wild: large lizards, small or moderate-sizes birds, opossums, bats, rats, and squirrels CARNIVORE
Arboreal and terrestrial Nocturnal ambush hunter. The boa constrictor kills its prey by constriction When threatened, boa constrictors will hiss so loudly that they can be heard 100 feet away
Habitat/Biome:
Fun Facts: Boa means “a large serpent” in Latin Also known as “wowla” in Belize They are non-venomous The boa constrictor has a short prehensile tail, accounting for less than 20 inches of its length. In many snakes, the tail makes up 50 percent of the overall length
varied habitats such as rainforests, deserts, open savanna, and cultivated fields
Distribution: Northern Mexico to Argentina, Lesser Antilles
Additional Notes:
Status: IUCN pop. trend: unknown
Length: Average 6-12 feet in length Gestation: 50 to 180 days Litter: 20 to 60 born live Life Span: 20 plus years in captivity
Special Notes: IUCN Category: Not listed CITES Listing: Appendix II Threats Include: Over collection for the pet trade and harvested for their skins, habitat loss
Information Sources (2011) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Facts animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu national zoo.si.edu