This boa constrictor was named Popeye and died in the Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania, on April 15, 1977. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Slow moving and of a mild temperament, it is easily tamed. [14] Boa constrictors also have two lungs, a smaller (non-functional) left and an enlarged (functional) right lung to better fit their elongated shape, unlike many colubrid snakes, which have completely lost the left lung. Specimens from Central America are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more readily. [27] When the female ovulates, a midbody swell can be noticed that appears similar to the snake having eaten a large meal. They are nocturnal, but they may bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low. 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. or more. Some appear to be based more on location than biological differences[28] Boa imperator has been elevated to full species status.[36]. Corrections? ", Other common names include chij-chan (Mayan),[4] jiboia (Latin American), and macajuel (Trinidadian). Copulation can last from a few minutes to several hours and may occur several times over a few week period. [28] These huge numbers of wild-caught snakes have put considerable pressure on some wild populations. A Boa is any one of several different species of snake in the Boinae subfamily. Boa constrictors can sense heat via cells in their lips, though they lack the labial pits surrounding these receptors seen in many members of the family Boidae. [13] Pelvic spurs are the only external sign of the rudimentary hind legs and pelvis and are seen in all boas and pythons. [37], The subspecific name ortonii is in honor of American naturalist James Orton.[37]. [27] The female then gives birth to young that average 15–20 in (38–51 cm) in length. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. They live alone, and only interact with other members of their species to reproduce. For most people, boas do not make good pets. The Argentine boa constrictor (Boa constrictor occidentalis) is silvery gray with an unusual network pattern. For example, the Pearl Island Boa subspecies lives only on the Pearl Islands near Panama. The average snake usually weighs about 30 lbs., but it isn’t unusual for some individuals to reach 60 lbs. An introduced population exists in extreme southern Florida,[16] and a small population on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands now appears to be reproducing in the wild. The most well-known of these snakes is the Boa Constrictor, also known as the Red-Tailed Boa. This is only the third genetically confirmed case of consecutive virgin births of viable offspring from a single female within any vertebrate lineage. The Rainbow Boa gets it's name from the fact that it looks as if it has a rainbow on it's back if viewed it certain lights. Researchers split the species into separate subspecies, and each subspecies has its own unique range. As semi-arboreal snakes, young boa constrictors may climb into trees and shrubs to forage; however, they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier. [26], During the breeding season, the female boa emits pheromones from her cloaca to attract males, which may then wrestle to select one to breed with her. [31] Proper animal husbandry is the most significant factor in captive lifespan; this includes providing adequate space, correct temperatures and humidity, and suitable food items. The snake’s adult length is typically about 10 feet (3 metres), though individuals of more than 18 feet (5.5 metres) have been reported; Central American boas rarely exceed 8 feet (2.4 metres). The young are independent soon after birth, and strike out on their own. As such, female boas in inadequate physical condition are unlikely to attempt to mate, or to produce viable young if they do mate. These snakes have an incredibly wide distribution. Human activity does impact this species to some extent. [29], Up to 41.5% of captive boas test positive for eosinophilic inclusion bodies.[32]. Boa constrictors also occupy the burrows of medium-sized mammals, where they can hide from potential predators.[7]. Females, the larger sex, more commonly weigh 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lb). [33] In other areas, they are often let loose within the communities to control the rodent populations. They are not picky, and will eat just about anything that they can easily catch and swallow. Though still exported from their native South America in significant numbers, they are widely bred in captivity. [17] Like all snakes, boa constrictors in a shed cycle are more unpredictable, because the substance that lubricates between the old skin and the new makes their eyes appear milky, blue, or opaque so that the snake cannot see very well, causing it to be more defensive than it might otherwise be. The boa constrictor is active from dusk to dawn, feeding on a wide variety of birds and mammals. [27] The female then sheds two to three weeks after ovulation, in what is known as a post-ovulation shed which lasts another 2–3 weeks, which is longer than a normal shed. These reptiles grow to impressive lengths. Humans have not domesticated this reptile in any way. "Mesoamerican Lexical Calques in Ancient Maya Writing and Imagery", Boa Constrictor Fact Sheet – Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA, "Taxonomy and Description of Boa Constrictor", "Boa constrictors' lethal secret revealed", "Stable isotope tracer reveals that viviparous snakes transport amino acids to offspring during gestation", "Who's Your Daddy? ), All 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 species of both boa constrictor and boa constrictor imperator. [11] Some specimens of this species can reach or possibly exceed 45 kg (100 lb), although this is not usual. Unconsciousness and death likely result from shutting off vital blood flow to the heart and brain, rather than suffocation as was previously believed; constriction can interfere with blood flow and overwhelm the prey's usual blood pressure and circulation. Boas are solitary snakes. Even captive-bred animals are wild snakes with specific dietary and housing needs. [14] During breeding, the male curls his tail around the female's and the hemipenes (or male reproductive organs) are inserted. 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.
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