Some specimens of this species can reach or possibly exceed 45 kg (100 lb), although this is not usual. Females, the larger sex, more commonly weigh 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lb). The boa constrictor is a heavy-bodied snake, and large specimens can weigh up to 27 kg (60 lb). A report of a boa constrictor growing up to 18.5 ft (5.6 m) was later found to be a misidentified green anaconda. The largest documented non-stretched dry skin is deposited at Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM 4961/2012) and measures 14.6 ft (4.45 m) without head. Females commonly exceed 10 ft (3.0 m), particularly in captivity, where lengths up to 12 ft (3.7 m) or even 14 ft (4.3 m) can be seen. The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m) whereas males are between 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m). Clear sexual dimorphism is seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males. The boa constrictor is a large snake, although it is only modestly sized in comparison to other large snakes, such as the reticulated python, Burmese python, or the occasionally sympatric green anaconda, and can reach lengths from 3 to 13 ft (0.91 to 3.96 m) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. melanogaster Langhammer, 1983: a nomen dubium ĭescription Size and weight Several other subspecies have been described at different times, but currently, these are no longer considered to be valid subspecies by many herpetologists and taxonomists. The subspecific name ortonii is in honor of American naturalist James Orton. South America except for the ranges of the other three subspecies Boa imperator, Boa nebulosa, Boa orophias and Boa sigma have all been elevated to full species status. Some appear to be based more on location rather than on biological differences. Several subspecies of Boa constrictor have been described in the past, but many of these are poorly differentiated, and further research may redefine many of them. Other common names include chij-chan ( Mayan), jiboia ( Latin American), and macajuel ( Trinidadian). Within the exotic pet trade, it is also known as a "BCC", an abbreviation of its scientific name, to distinguish it from other boa species, such as Boa imperator or "BCI." Īll 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 the species Boa constrictor and Boa imperator. Only one other vertebrate animal shares this trait, the theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex. Though all boids are constrictors, only this species is properly referred to as the "boa constrictor" - an instance of an animal having the same English common name and scientific binomial. This article focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, and on the nominate subspecies B. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. The species is native to tropical South America. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae. Snakes will never attack humans unless triggered, so when you see a snake just walk away and the snake will definitely crawl in the opposite direction.The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also known as the red-tailed boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. They play the role of predator (feed on small preys and help in pest control) and prey (feed for some birds of prey and certain mammals). Snakes are an integral part of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Fear is a common reaction from humans and often ends with the snake being the victim of ignorance and fear. As it gets warmer, snakes will become more active to sunbathe and hunt and their sighting becomes more frequent. Age, nutrition, species, reproductive status, overall health, and hormonal balance also play a role in the frequency of ecdysis. Therefore, it needs to be shed every so often. Because the top layer of snake skin consists mostly of keratin, which is dead material, it is incapable of expanding during the snake’s growth process. Young snakes will shed much more often and begin to have a longer resting period as they reach adult size. “PS: please DO NOT remove the snake’s shed unless you are a trained professional as it can harm the snake if done incorrectly and lead to further complications.” Ecdysis, or shedding of the skin, is a normal occurrence throughout the snake’s life. We assisted with the shedding till it was complete. Upon examination, her shed broke and started shedding. Medusa, a boa constrictor, came in for her regular checkup.
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