Boa Gallery

Red Tail Boa Constrictor

The genus Boa, has one species constrictor and many subspecies according to appearance and distribution. The red tail boa constrictor has two sub-species,namely, Boa constrictor constrictor (true red tail boa) and Boa constrictor imperator (common boa). Red tailed boa constrictors, are very popular amongst hobbyists. Many variations in the shades of the background colour and intensity of the red on the tail occur. Selective captive breeding has also produced albino variations as well as particular colour morphs.

Boa constrictor constrictor, or true red tail boas present with a light grey to tan background colour with bright brick-red saddles on the tail. The snake has dark saddles along the dorsum of the snake. Adults average about 3m but can reach a maximum length of over 4m. The true red tail boas are also heavier bodied than the common boa. Litter sizes range from around 20 to 50+ neonates and the gestation period for both subspecies is 4 to 8 months. Neonates are born live. The true red tail boa occurs naturally in the Amazon, Orinoco River bains, Peru, parts of Columbia, Suriname, Guyana and northern Brazil.

The common boa, boa constrictor imperator, are generally darker and less attractive of the two subspecies, however, attractive specimens to occur and can readily be purchased. The common boa is however the easier of the two sub-species to care for. Both sub-species are rather docile, they feed well and are quite easy to keep if the proper caging and accessories are supplied. The common boa is slightly smaller, averaging around 2.5m in length. The common boa is also easier to breed of the two sub-species. The common boa occurs naturally in Central Mexico through Central America and into northern and central parts of South America.

Brazilian Rainbow Boa

The brazilian rainbow boa, Epicrates cenchria cenchria, is by far one of the most attractive snakes one can own. They present with a background colour of orange to blood red. They present with black circular rings along the dorsum of the snake. Their skin also displays a high level of iridescence when exposed to bright light or the sun.

Brazilian rainbow boas are a small species, averaging around 1.5 to 2m in length. These snakes need high humidity in their enclosures. The gestation period for these snakes is 4 to 8 months and litter sizes range from 6 to 30. Neonates are born live. Brazilian rainbow boas occur naturally in Suriname, Guyana, parts of Venezuela and Brazil. A less colourful subspecies, Epicrates cenchria maurus, or columbian rainbow boa also appears on the snake market. Juveniles of both these sub-species look very similar and care should be taken to determine exactly which sub-species you are purchasing as the Brazilian rainbow boa fetches a much higher price than the Columbian rainbow boa, for obvious reasons.

Yellow Anaconda

The yellow anaconda,Eunectes notaeus, is smaller than its other sub-species, Eunectes murinus, or the green anaconda. The yellow anaconda averages 2.5 to 3.5m in length. This snake presents with a light yellow to kaki green background colour with black blotches along the dorsum of the snake. This sub-species occurs naturally in the southern Amazon basin. This a primarily a water snake, spending most of its time submerged in water and often only eating in water. Anacondas in general have a bad temperment but a few docile specimens do exist, such as Sasha in the picture. The gestation period for Anacondas is 4 to 8 months and litter sizes range from 6 to a few dozen neonates that are born live. Neonates are very snappy!

Madagascar Ground Boa

The madagascar ground boa,Acrantophis madagascariensis, is a large snake, averaging 2.5m in length. Their litter sizes are small, usually around 6 neonates. The gestation period for the ground boa is 8 to 9 months. This snake presents with a mottled pattern of brown, copper, yellows and even pink. The madagascar ground boa is highly protected and is not often seen on the market. The madagascar ground boa occurs in the north and east parts of Madagascar.

Dumeril Boa and Madagascar Ground Boa

The dumeril boa is a stunning snake that has brown,orange and tan colours varying from specimen to specimen. These snakes hail from Madagascar, and due to the exploitation of both sub-species, in the skin and pet trades, it is very difficult to attain them. Some specimens are obtainable only from specialist breeders, and the price is almost always quite high.

Dumeril boas occur naturally on the south and southwestern part of Madagascar. Dumeril boas occur far more often on the snake market than the ground boa. These snakes grow to around 1.8 to 2m in length, litter sizes range from two to over two dozen neonates that are born live. The gestation period for dumeril boas is around 7 months. Dumeril boas are considered easier to breed than ground boas. Those who are priveleged enough to get a pair, or even one of these snakes in their hands will not be disappointed.

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Last updated: April 2007