BOA CONSTRICTOR Constrictor constrictor REPTILE Order Squamata Description 6-10 ft long; Boa Constrictors in captivly can exceed a weight of 60 lbs. but usually they will not exceed 30lbs. as adults. Cream with brown markings in a pattern of olvals and diamonds. Range northern Mexico south through Argentina Status Although not currently listed as endangered, commercial trade of this species is regulated by international law, since it may become endangered without regulated trade.   Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

Ecology Habitat Equally adept on the ground and in trees of tropical forest and savanna biomes, also found in semi-arid country. An adequate swimmer but not truly aquatic. Niche Carnivorous: eats birds, small mammals, young crocodilians and lizards. Constrictor. May be active at any time. Life History Mating is non-seasonal and occurs about once a year. Female is viviparous - young develop and hatch within the mother's body, and are then "born" live. Special Adaptations Prehensile tall to support body in the tree. Forked tongue/Jacobson's organ for gathering information. Camouflage coloration to mimic sun-dappled branches. Special jaw structure allows snake to swallow prey larger than its mouth. Heat sensors under the upper lip help to locate warm-blooded prey. Clear scale covers eye so that snake always appears to be awake; absence of blinking aids in camouflage.