Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor Constrictor constrictor

Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata/Serpentes Family: Boidae

Characteristics: A long slender body that averages 8 feet in length with some reportedly reaching up to 15 feet. The colors of the body are alternate between large, light brown patches with a ruddy brown to dark brick red in between each patch. The position of these colors switch towards the tail (Bartlett et al 2001 p. 4). These snakes possess a row of shot, sharp teeth that are used in the initial capture of its prey and facilitate ingestion of the prey item. Range & Habitat: Behavior: From Mexico down to Northern Boa constrictors in general kill their prey item via constriction. Argentina and Chile. This constriction is not to cause suffocation as previously thought but rather to cease blood flow. They are able sense Wet forests to dry grasslands when the prey item has died based upon their heart beat. Once they’ve consumed their food, they don’t need to feed for two weeks because of their low metabolic rate. In order to grow, boa constrictors must shed their skin. During shedding, they become sedentary because their sight becomes cloudy.

Reproduction: Like most snakes, red-tailed boas have internal fertilization. Unlike most snakes, they don’t lay eggs but give birth to an average of 25 live offspring after an 8 month incubation period. Males tend to breed with more than one female during the breeding season (O’Shea 2007). Lifespan: Wild: 20 years Diet: Captive: 30 to 35 years Wild: Any animal they can catch and fit into their mouth, but principally feed on small mammals and birds. Special Adaptations: Zoo: Rats, mice and chicks. -limbless, lack heat sensor pits Conservation: -un-hinging jaw Not evaluated: Pet trade, used for skin and food. -sensitive underside

FYI: IUCN Conservation Status: May help to decrease the spread of leishmaniasis (Animal Not evaluated

Diversity Web).