Subfamily: Boinae. Basic description. The boa constrictor, also nicknamed the red-tailed boa or the common boa is one of the largest snakes in the world. "Boa Constrictor Facts." Genus: Boa. Boa constrictors are reptiles and reside mainly in Central and South America. A few examples of species are the rubber boa (Charina bottae), the rosy boa (Charina trivirgata), and the red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor). Boa Constrictor Facts For Kids (& Adults) Female boa constrictors are larger than males. Order: Squamata. Boa Linnaeus 1758 is the type genus of the family Boidae (sensu Pyron et al. The boa constrictor is named for its mode of predation: constriction. Size: 6-9 feet. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. All of its subspecies are also referred to as boa constrictors. Type genus. Type genus. The only other animal with the same common and scientific name: the extinct Tyrannosaurus rex. in extreme cases. All snakes in the Boa genus constrict their prey but there is only one species called the Boa constrictor. Boas are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of mice, small birds, lizards, and frogs when they are young. The common name is the same as the scientific name, which is unusual. Females produce anywhere from 20 to 60 young. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. Mehrtens, John M. Living Snakes of the World. 2014) contains the following genera: Boa, … These vestigial limbs appear as spurs on either side of the cloaca. The largest boa constrictor ever found measured 18 feet. Suborder: Serpentes. At birth, the young are about 20 inches and can grow to 3 feet during the first several months of life. Like all snakes, boas are excellent swimmers, but they usually avoid going into the water as much as possible. They can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh from 20 to 100 pounds. A baby boa … Since they are nocturnal and solitary creatures, boas hide in rodent burrows during the day to rest, but may spend several hours in trees basking in the sun. These reptiles have a life span of roughly 30 years, but the oldest ones have lived to 40 years. Species: B. constrictor. Boa nebulosa– Dominican boa constrictor Boa orophias–St. Boa constrictor Taxonomy ID: 8574 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid8574) current name. Red-tailed boa, Common boa. Joe McDonald/Corbis Documentary / Getty Images. Boa constrictor imperator – Forcart , 1951 Boa imperator is a large, heavy-bodied, nonvenomous species [3] of snake, of the boa genus , that is commonly kept in captivity. Boa Constrictor Facts. They have special tubes in the bottom of their mouth that allow them to breath as they eat their meal. "Boa Constrictor Facts." The pressure is so powerful that the prey’s heart is not able to overcome it and it dies within seconds. The scientific name for Tyrannosaurus rex is ... Tyrannosaurus rex. The biggest threat to boas comes from humans who harvest them for their skin as part of the leather trade. Its range is wide, from Argentina to northern Mexico. They can grow more than ten feet long and can weigh up to 100 lbs. They can also be found on some islands in the Caribbean. Their common name is the long-tailed boa—they’re hardly ever called the Tumbes Peru boa. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. The well-known and widely kept boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) has long been one of the most popular pet snakes available in the reptile-keeping hobby. Boa constrictor is both the common name for this snake and its scientific name, as well. Taken with tigers? The famly (sensu Pyron et al. 2. Also known as boa constrictor. It is unusual for a species’ English name to be the same as its scientific name. Scientific Name: Boa constrictor imperator. These are very large, stout-bodied snakes with dark brown hourglass-shaped saddles down the body that become reddish bands towards the tail. The boa constrictor’s scientific name is boa constrictor. Kingdom: Animalia. Hence, the Boa constrictor is the only living animal to have this distinction. Bailey, Regina. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Habitat: Wide distribution throughout range.From dry mountainous areas to grasslands and woodlands. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. Species: B. constrictor. Their scientific … This is particularly dangerous because boas can adapt well to new environments so long as the temperatures are conducive to them thriving. For the red tailed boa that lives in northern or southern, they will hibernate during the winter or drought. They can climb surfaces well, swim, and travel up to speeds of one mile per hour. From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. There are over 40 species of boas. Boa constrictors are members of the Boidae family of animals. Snakes of the World. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. A baby boa is on its own from the start. Stafford, Peter J. Pythons and Boas. Scientific Name: Boa constrictor imperator Origin: Latin America Family: Boidae Size: Boas are large, heavy-bodied snakes that can reach 3 meters in length in captivity. At night, boas hunt using sensing pits on their face that allow them to detect their prey's body heat. Scientific & Common Names. https://www.thoughtco.com/boa-constrictor-4688623 (accessed February 3, 2021). The red-tailed boa is the species of boa constrictor that is most commonly used as a pet. The scientific name of red tailed boa is Boa constrictor constrictor. Scientific Name: Boa Constrictor Imperator The boa constrictor is a non-venomous snake that belongs to the family Boidae, which includes seven genera of boas, four genera of sand boas, and eight genera of pythons. It is also known as the red-tailed boa. New York: Facts on File Publications, Inc., 1986. Boa constrictor imperator (Boa constrictor imperator). Bailey, Regina. Boa constrictor, ( Boa constrictor ), large thick-bodied snake of the boa family, Boidae. ThoughtCo. Because they move slowly, boas rely on ambushing their prey; for instance, they may attack bats as they sleep in trees or as they fly by. The only other animal with the same common and scientific name: the extinct Tyrannosaurus rex. Youwill find many ways on the internet, on "how to" take care of thisanimal. Boa Constrictors are large constrictor snakes that live in Mexico, Central America and South America. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Frozen fuzzies are available in our Food and Feeders Section. The boa constrictor’s scientific name is boa constrictor. There are multiple species and subspecies of boa constrictor, see below for the most popularly recognized: Argentine boa (Boa constrictor occidentalis). Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758. homotypic synonym: Constrictor constrictor. occidentalis (22/10/1987) An adult boa will generally weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and grow to about 13 feet (4 meters) long. Karyotypes: Viana et al. The “original” boa constrictor, first described and defined in scientific literature, is the nominate species Boa constrictor constrictor. As their name suggests, these boas have rubbery skin, and they burrow into the ground. Mother boas give birth to about 60 babies at a time! Males slither across the female’s body to stimulate the cloaca with his vestigial legs. The color pattern of its skin … Alternative Title: Boa constrictor. New Jersey: T.F.H. Their scientific name, Boa constrictor, is derived from the Greek words meaning type of snake (boa) and to grasp (constrictor). In tropical parts of the Americas, people may bring boas into their homes to manage rodent infestations. Type species: Boa constrictor LINNAEUS 1758: 215 is the type species of the genus Boa LINNAEUS 1758: 214. At least 10 subspecies of boa constrictor have been recognized over time. e.g. Arabesque Boa (Boa constrictor) SCIENTIFIC NAME: Boa constrictor imperator DESCRIPTION: n/a MAXIMUM ADULT SIZE: Average 6 - 8', occasionally exceeding 12' DIET: Live or frozen thawed fuzzy mice. The 'constrictor' part of the scientific name refers to the species. Red-Tailed Boa (Boa Constrictor Constrictor) If somebody says they own a boa constrictor, this is probably the snake they mean. While this pet trade may not pose a threat to boas, an unfortunate risk is that some owners simply release their pets into the environment because they do not realize how quickly these animals grow. This group is also known as the ‘boas’. Her work has been featured in "Kaplan AP Biology" and "The Internet for Cellular and Molecular Biologists.". So are we! Class: Reptilia. Ernst, Carl H., and Zug, George R. Snakes in Question. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996. A boa constrictor grows throughout its whole life, which can be 20 to 30 years. The Argentine boa constrictor (Boa constrictor occidentalis) is silvery gray with an unusual network pattern. Boa Constrictor. 2014). Boas have special heat-sensing pits on their faces that allow them to detect the body heat of their prey. Scientists thought this squeezing suffocates their prey, but recent findings show that the powerful pressure from the snakes actually constricts blood flow in the animal. As a result, they can become an invasive species and pose serious threats to the new environment, which could lead to the disappearance of other indigenous species. These snakes are not farmed for their skins, and collecting them from the wild has caused population declines. Boas are very important in controlling rodent populations which, when in excess, can have a seriously negative impact on the environment. Their scientific name, Boa constrictor, is derived from the Greek words meaning type of snake (boa) and to grasp (constrictor). boa constrictor SCIENTIFIC NAME: Boa constrictor HABITAT: A wide range of habitats from semi-desert regions in Mexico to moist rain forests of Central and South America. Scientific Name: Boa constrictor The boa constrictor has a large range across much of Central and South America. Boa Constrictor Constrictor: the “True” Red-Tailed Boa. Boas, like many other large snakes, are killed for their skins, which are highly prized in the leather trade. Numerous subspecies are … Common Name: The boa constrictor is one of the few animals that is most commonly known by its scientific name. In the U.S., boa constrictors are often imported as pets and sometimes bred to produce more colorful snakes. (The distinction is shared with Tyrannosaurus rex.) Though it thrives in tropical rainforests, it also inhabits savannas, cane fields, and semiarid scrublands. Common Name: The boa constrictor is one of the few animals that is most commonly known by its scientific name. The tail of a rat hangs from the mouth of a boa constrictor as it ingests the body of the rat. Its scientific name is Boa constrictor imperator. They are found commonly across the northern parts of South America, including Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and Peru. In Boa constrictor ortonii, native to Peru, markings on the tail are red rather than brown, and the tail pattern is distinct. The breeding period for them is during the rainy season. After a large meal, they will not need to eat for several weeks. Lifespan: 20-30+ years. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. (2020, August 29). Characteristics. Boa Linnaeus 1758 is the type genus of the family Boidae (sensu Pyron et al. 1. Once the animal is dead, these snakes swallow their prey whole. Boa constrictors digest their food with their powerful stomach acids. Among snake owners, it’s known as the BCC which is an abbreviation of their scientific name. Boas are not poisonous, but have the ability to intensely suffocate prey. Rubber boas live in western North America. They are also semi-arboreal and spend time in the trees to bask in the sun. Boas will surprise their prey by coiling around them and squeezing them until death. The snake can swallow its prey entirely whole, which is later digested by its strong stomach acid. Boa constrictors are reptiles and reside mainly in Central and South America. Are you wild about whales? Long-Tailed Boa/Tumbes Peru Boa (Boa Constrictor Longicauda) The Peruvian long-tailed boa is a boa constrictor with a long tail from Peru. 2020 present … An adult boa will generally weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and grow to about 13 feet (4 meters) long. Common names. The scientific name for a Boa constrictor is ... Boa constrictor. Bailey, Regina. The snake is found in Central and South America, and on some islands in the Caribbean. This boa is native to almost all of South America, as well as some Caribbean islands. Common name: Boa Constrictor, Ampalagua, Giboya, Masacuate Scientific name: Boa constrictorSynonym:Constrictor constrictor Distribution: Central and South America, Mexico CITES listing: Appendix II (04/02/1977) and Appendix I (subspecies B.c. Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor) The boa constrictor population established in Florida is thought to have originated from snakes imported from Colombia based on color pattern and historical data regarding the importation of these snakes. Instead of injecting poison into its prey, it strikes, grabs and squeezes until the prey is subdued. The female eats very little during the gestation period, which lasts roughly 100 days. They are nocturnal reptile. https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/reptiles/boa-constrictor Boa constrictors are non-venomous snakes best known for their large size and for squeezing their prey to death. This form of boa may be referred to as the pet store boa constrictor, redtail boa, Colombian redtail boa, pet store redtail, and red-tailed boa constrictor. Rattlesnakes: Habitats, Behavior, and Diet, The 50-Foot-Long, 2,000-Pound Giant Prehistoric Snake, Titanoboa, A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College. Boa constrictors are able to adjust their hunting behaviors according to the density of possible prey items in their habitat. In nature, it is a large-bodied ambush predator with a far-reaching range throughout South America, with introduced populations on St. Croix and in Florida. 2014). A boa constrictor grows throughout its whole life, which can be 20 to 30 years. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1987. Also called the red-tailed boa, the boa constrictor is a species of large, heavy-bodied snake found in the Western Hemisphere, throughout Central and South America and a few southerly locations in North America. The rosy boa’s habitat ranges from California and Arizona to Mexico. The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. Boas hide in the burrows of rodents at ground level during the day to rest. During colder weather, they can become almost completely inactive. Lucian boa The boa constrictorhas been reported to grow to a maximum of 14 feet (4.3 m) in length. Boa constrictors tend to live alone. Though all boids are constrictors, only this species is properly referred to as "Boa constrictor"; an almost unique instance of an animal having the same common and scientific binomial name. Common names. It is unusual for a species’ English name to be the same as its scientific name. Tom Carter/Photolibrary/Getty Images Plus. Boa constrictors are members of the Boidae family of animals. Boas are nocturnal hunters - they rely on heat-sensing abilities to hunt in the dark. Mother boas give birth to about 60 babies at a time! Crazy about roller coasters? Paul Starosta/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images. Boa Constrictors belong to the Boa genus. (Another such animal is the extinct theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex.) Most adult boa constrictors are about 10-16 feet (3-5 m) in total length. Hunted for their fine, ornate skin and for sale in the exotic pet trade, some boa constrictors have protected status in their range. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. These reptiles are ovoviviparous, which means that they give birth to young that are fully formed. Boas are also consumed by indigenous people and collected for the pet trade. 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