A heavy-bodied neotropical boa famed for its strong constriction and adaptability across forests, savannas, and human-modified habitats.
Description
A heavy, muscular snake usually 2 to 3 m long, marked with a series of dark saddles on a tan or grey-brown back that intensify into striking red or orange near the tail. The head is a long ovate triangle with three dark lines along its length.
Behavior
Boa constrictors are nocturnal ambush hunters as juveniles and become more active foragers as adults. They seize prey with sharp recurved teeth, throw two or three coils around it, and squeeze until circulation stops within seconds. They give birth to up to 60 live young.
Range
The species ranges from northern Mexico south through Central America and across most of tropical South America to northern Argentina. Several subspecies vary considerably in size and colour, and the species is widely kept as a pet.