Although these individuals are rare in the wild, they are common in captivity, where they are often selectively bred to make a variety of different color "morphs". Some individuals exhibit pigmentary disorders, such as albinism. constrictor subspecies the common name of "red-tailed boas." The coloring works as a very effective camouflage in the jungles and forests of its natural range. However, they are generally a brown, gray, or cream base color, patterned with brown or reddish-brown "saddles" that become more pronounced towards the tail. The coloring of boa constrictors can vary greatly depending on the locality. Pelvic spurs are the only external sign of the rudimentary hind legs and pelvis and are seen in all boas and pythons. Other examples of sexual dimorphism in the species include males generally having longer tails to contain the hemipenes and also longer pelvic spurs, which are used to grip and stimulate the female during copulation. constrictor reaches, and occasionally tops, the averages given above, as it is one of the relatively large subspecies of Boa constrictor. The size and weight of a boa constrictor depends on subspecies, locale, and the availability of suitable prey. Some specimens of this species can reach or possibly exceed 45 kg (100 lb), although this is not usual. Females, the larger sex, more commonly weigh 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lb). The boa constrictor is a heavy-bodied snake, and large specimens can weigh up to 27 kg (60 lb). A report of a boa constrictor growing up to 18.5 ft (5.6 m) was later found to be a misidentified green anaconda. The largest documented non-stretched dry skin is deposited at Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM 4961/2012) and measures 14.6 ft (4.45 m) without head. Females commonly exceed 10 ft (3.0 m), particularly in captivity, where lengths up to 12 ft (3.7 m) or even 14 ft (4.3 m) can be seen. The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m) whereas males are between 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m). Clear sexual dimorphism is seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males. The boa constrictor is a large snake, although it is only modestly sized in comparison to other large snakes, such as the reticulated python, Burmese python, or the occasionally sympatric green anaconda, and can reach lengths from 3 to 13 ft (0.91 to 3.96 m) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. melanogaster Langhammer, 1983: a nomen dubium ĭescription Size and weight Several other subspecies have been described at different times, but currently, these are no longer considered to be valid subspecies by many herpetologists and taxonomists. The subspecific name ortonii is in honor of American naturalist James Orton. Long-tailed boa constrictor or long-tailed boaĪrgentine boa constrictor or Argentine boa South America except for the ranges of the other three subspecies Red-tailed boa constrictor or red-tailed boa Boa imperator, Boa nebulosa, Boa orophias and Boa sigma have all been elevated to full species status. Some appear to be based more on location rather than on biological differences. Several subspecies of Boa constrictor have been described in the past, but many of these are poorly differentiated, and further research may redefine many of them. Other common names include chij-chan ( Mayan), jiboia ( Latin American), and macajuel ( Trinidadian). Within the exotic pet trade, it is also known as a "BCC", an abbreviation of its scientific name, to distinguish it from other boa species, such as Boa imperator or "BCI." Īll subspecies are referred to as "boa constrictors", and are part of a diverse group of New World boas referred to as "red-tailed" boas, comprising the species Boa constrictor and Boa imperator. Only one other vertebrate animal shares this trait, the theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex. Though all boids are constrictors, only this species is properly referred to as the "boa constrictor" - an instance of an animal having the same English common name and scientific binomial. This article focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, and on the nominate subspecies B. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. The species is native to tropical South America. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae. The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also known as the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity.
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