Red-Tailed Boa
Red-tailed boa is a non-poisonous, large, stout, species of snake occurring in Central, North and South America and in some islands in the Caribbean. There are ten subspecies of this snake. They are very popular as pets. Females are larger than males.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Subphylum | Vertebrata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Squamata |
Suborder | Serpentes |
Family | Boidae |
Subfamily | Boinae |
Genus | Boa |
Scientific Name | Boa constrictor |
Other Names | Chij-chan (Mayan), Jiboia (Latin American), Macajuel (Trinidadian) |
Length | 3–13 ft |
Weight | Up to 27 kg |
Color | Brown, gray or cream marked with brown or reddish-brown saddles that turn more prominent towards the tail; albinism is found among some members |
Distribution | Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, (Central America); Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia (South America); Lesser Antilles, San Andrés, Providencia and in other islands along the coasts of Central and South America and Mexico; southern Florida (United States), St. Croix (US Virgin Islands) |
Habitat | Tropical rainforests, arid semi-desert country, along streams and rivers, burrows of medium-sized mammals |
Diet | Small to medium-sized mammals, birds, rodents; juveniles feeds on small mice, bats, birds, lizards, amphibians |
Predators | Birds like eagles |
Venom Fact | Non-venomous |
Breeding Season | April to August |
Mode of Reproduction | Ovoviviparous ( producing young ones by means of eggs hatched inside the body of the parent) |
Litter Size | 10 to 65 |
Gestation Period | Around 100 – 120 days |
Reproductive Age | 3 – 4 years of age |
Average Lifespan | 20 to 30 years in captivity |
IUCN Conservation Status | Not Listed |
Red-Tailed Boa Pictures Gallery
Published on September 20th 2016 by staff under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 14th September 2023.