Boa constrictor

Boa constrictor · The boa constrictor is a large, heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake native to tropical South America.

Also called Red-tailed boa, Common boa.

Boa constrictor
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Boa constrictor
Photo: Gionorossi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Boa constrictor
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyBoidae
GenusBoa
SpeciesBoa constrictor

Where it lives

Forests and dry scrub across tropical South America; some Caribbean islands.

Fun facts

  • Boa constrictors can sense heat through cells in their lips, even though they lack the heat-sensing pits many of their relatives have.
  • A boa constrictor has two lungs, but only the right one works; the smaller left lung is non-functional, which helps fit its long body shape.
  • Boa constrictors give birth to live young, and a single litter can range from 10 to 65 babies.
  • A female boa can store sperm inside her body for up to one year before ovulating.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).