Thanks to its frequent mention in adventure stories and its very beautiful pattern, which can vary significantly, the boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is one of the most famous snakes in the whole world. Its other names, such as “sacred snake” or “snake of the gods,” are associated with the cults of the indigenous people of South America and Africa. Although there are many terrible legends about the common boa constrictor, South America it has never been considered a source of danger to humans.
HABITAT OF THE COMMON BOA
The common boa constrictor is native to the region located between Southern Mexico and Argentina, as well as the Lesser Antilles. It prefers to be found on the ground near bodies of water in arid areas, open forests, savanna-like forests and dense bushes.
The common boa constrictor is a cold-blooded animal, that is, it expends extremely little energy for its metabolism, since it does not need to constantly maintain body temperature; Moreover, it depends on temperature environment. The length of its body is significantly greater in relation to its volume. Therefore, when stretched out, they can heat up very quickly, receiving thermal energy. A snake can compensate for heat loss by curling up into a ball, thereby reducing its surface area. The shape of the hose also gives snakes other advantages: it helps with escape, for example, since the animals can hide in narrow crevices.
SMALL HEAD AND BIG BOOTY
The head shape is main drawback: The mouths of animals are very small compared to the amount of food required. To compensate, snakes have extremely extensible and flexible jaws, allowing them to catch and swallow prey that is huge in comparison to their body size. The food requirement of common boas, whose length can be over 4 m, is very high. They feed exclusively on vertebrates, their largest prey being boar-like peccaries and Patagonian maras. In order to swallow such prey, they can separate the upper and lower jaws. In addition, the halves of the lower jaw do not fuse firmly with one another, but are connected by a very elastic ligament. The bones of the skull are reduced to a minimum, and the trachea is mobile enough to allow animals to breathe during meals, which sometimes last for hours.
After a meal, the common boa constrictor takes a pause that sometimes lasts a whole week, during which it tries to move as little as possible. The digestion process takes place, the next meal will be needed only in a few weeks or months. The common boa constrictor begins hunting at nightfall. In order to catch prey even in complete darkness, it has a special heat-sensitive organ that detects thermal radiation. This allows the boa constrictor to accurately sense temperature differences and distinguish potential prey from the environment. Unlike other snakes, boas do not lay eggs, but give birth to live young. The female produces up to 60 eggs in her body, which remain in the womb until the small snakes hatch. Young animals 20-50 cm long immediately become independent.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
Common boa constrictor ( Boa constrictor)
Reptile class.
Squad Scaly.
Family of constrictor snakes.
Distribution: South to .
Length: over 4 m.
Weight: up to 60 kg.
Diet: birds, lizards, mammals.
Duration of pregnancy: 5-7 months.
Number of cubs: up to 60.
Life expectancy: no information.
A close relative of the Central Asian hamster, unfortunately, can be very rarely found in Central Europe. Despite this, the common hamster...
The Imperial Boa Constrictor (Boa Constrictor Imperator) is very popular among terrarium hobbyists as a pet. The domestic imperial boa constrictor is an ideal reptile for keeping in urban environments: they have a calm disposition, bright colors and suitable sizes. Even a beginner can start it.
What does an imperial boa constrictor look like?
These snakes have a strong, muscular body and an elegant head. The size of the imperial boa in nature is 5 meters, bred for home keeping are no more than 2 meters in length. The morphs of the imperial boa constrictor are varied. The most common color is light brown, the back is reddish or coffee-colored with yellow spots. On the sides there are dark diamond-shaped spots with light rims.
Imperial boa morphs
Color varies from white to black, with and without patterns. The most common morph is the Colombian, the color is called “normal” - this is a color close to natural. The color of the boa constrictor ranges from light sand to brown-orange with spots of dark, sometimes black color. On the tail - in the form of red ovals with a very dark outline.
Photos of the imperial boa constrictor clearly demonstrate the colors. The most common one is called Salmon. The boa constrictor is light with red tints. Super salmon has a more saturated color. These snakes do not have black pigmentation. Super salmon are born when two salmon are crossed with a probability of 1 in 4.
Albinos are also common. They are called amelanists. By type they are distinguished into Kahl Albino, Sharp Albino and Albino T-plus. They differ from normals in the absence of dark spots in their color. They are characterized by a red-yellow color with white zones and red eyes. Young snakes are brightly colored, but fade with age. However, the drawing remains.
When a normal and an albino are mated, the offspring in the first generation are obtained only with the color of the normal. But the cubs are carriers of the albino gene, they pass it on to inheritance. In 25% of cases, the offspring will be albinos. Crossing a normal born from an albino with an albino gives a 50% chance of producing an albino.
The offspring obtained from salmon and albino are white with bright spots. This breed of boa constrictor is called Sunglow. It is obtained by crossing several generations of snakes, and the price of the imperial Sanglo boa is higher than the natural color. There are three varieties of Sanglo: Kahl, Sharp and T-plus.
Localities of imperial boas
These reptiles are found almost everywhere - from Mexico to Argentina. They live in waters with different biotopes, that is, they are adapted to different conditions. Habitat: forests and clearings, mountainous areas, presence of reservoirs.
An adult imperial boa constrictor should live in a spacious horizontal terrarium. There should be a pool there, there should be branches in it. A suitable terrarium for an imperial boa constrictor is 100x50x50 cm. You should focus on the length of an adult reptile; the minimum length of the terrarium is half the length of the boa constrictor. The width of the “house” can be twice as narrow.
You need to place a regular incandescent lamp in the corner of the terrarium - in one part the temperature will be about 33°C, in the other - room temperature. Boas feel comfortable during the day at 25-32°C, in the dark - at 20-22°C. They love cool weather because in nature they live in the lower tier of forests.
The soil, walls of the terrarium and accessories must be regularly sprayed with water. The boa constrictor should have a bathtub in which it can bathe and fit completely. The level of humidity is especially important during the molting period. Shelves and branches are an integral part of the terrarium - boa constrictors love to crawl. The soil is sawdust covered with mulch. You can use paper.
A container of 60 cm by 40 cm is suitable for a young individual (up to 1 meter long). As they grow older, the terrarium is increased.
Feeding the imperial boa constrictor
The reptile is not picky about food. The Imperial Boa can be fed on mice and small birds. Thawed food is suitable. It is important to feed small boas correctly so that they develop correctly. digestive system. Do not overfeed, give large pieces, warm or cold food.
Reproduction of imperial boas
Breeding boas in captivity is not so easy. The mating period is February-March. In order for offspring to appear, the temperature in the terrarium is reduced to 18°C, and daylight hours are set to no more than 6-8 hours. To mate, the female must be placed alternately with all the males. During courtship, they stimulate her with “spurs”, sometimes the female’s skin is injured.
You can tell that a female is pregnant by her behavior: she begins to warm up more, rolls over on her back and sides, in the first months she begins to eat more, and in last days refuses food. Rear end the torso visually increases, but not always, especially if it is the first pregnancy. If pregnancy has occurred, the males must be removed from the terrarium and the snags must be removed so that the snake does not accidentally fall while crawling over them.
The imperial boa constrictor is a viviparous reptile. The gestation period lasts from 5 to 7 months. Cubs are born in a thin shell - they tear it themselves as soon as they are born. The process must be monitored to help the snakes break the shell if they are unable to do it on their own.
The number of babies of the imperial boa varies from 15 to 64. Their length is about 50 cm. In captivity, they grow in 2 years to a length of about 3 meters. At 2 years old, the boa constrictor becomes sexually mature.
How long do imperial boas live?
In captivity, on average, these reptiles live about 10-12 years. With ideal care - up to 23 years.
How much does it cost to buy an imperial boa constrictor?
The price depends on the color of the reptile, size, age and gender. For example, individuals from Costa Rica - the smallest representatives of the breed - cost between 6500-7500 rubles. Rare copies will cost about 20,000 rubles. It is better to buy a snake at a pet store that specializes in exotic animals. A healthy reptile is active and looks well-fed.
Precautions when keeping boa constrictors
The imperial boa constrictor is a non-venomous snake. But due to its size, its contents should be approached with all responsibility. The content rules that must be strictly followed are as follows:
- It is forbidden to release the snake from the terrarium and pick it up while alone in the room. You can pick up a boa constrictor only in the presence of a second person;
- you should not approach a boa constrictor if your clothes and skin smell of food;
- The boa constrictor should not be released from the terrarium if there are a large number of strangers in the room.
The imperial boa constrictor is, in principle, a harmless and safe creature for humans. But the terrarium must be securely closed so that it does not crawl away. The reptile is huge in size and has a large body mass - it should not have free access to helpless family members and pets.
And if you are choosing your first snake for keeping at home, pay attention to, it is this reptile that is recommended to get as your first snake.
Did you like the article? Take it to your wall and support the project!
Boa constrictor– water snake, Constrictor, Boa constrictor, Red-tail boa (English), Königsboa, Königsschlange, Abgottschlange, Amerikanische Boa (German).
There are 10 localites: B. c. constrictor – nominative subspecies.
B. c. amarali - Amaral's common boa constrictor.
B. c. imperator – imperial common boa constrictor.
B. c. longicauda – long-tailed common boa constrictor.
B. c. mexicana – Mexican common boa constrictor.
B. c. nebulosa – dark common boa constrictor.
B. c. occidentalis – western common boa constrictor.
B. c. orophias - St. Lucian common boa constrictor.
B. c. ortonii - Ortoni's common boa constrictor.
B. c. sabogae – Saboga common boa constrictor.
Average length body 2.5-3 m.
Lifespan in captivity up to 30 years.
Features of behavior- Adults have a docile nature and rarely express aggression. Young snakes can make tentative lunges and are occasionally aggressive. They prefer habitats with a constant source of fresh water. Excellent at climbing trees. Depending on the biotope, it leads a semi-arboreal and arboreal lifestyle. Active during twilight and night hours. During the day it hides in shelters - crevices, snags, caves, hollows. Swims well, does not dive.
Gender Differences there are no males and females. Upon comparative examination, males can have a longer tail, with a thickening at the cloaca. In females the tail is somewhat shorter and without thickening. Both sexes have claw-like rudiments at the anus, which are stronger and longer in males. Females have a more powerful build and larger size.
Puberty at 2.5-4 years. Ovoviviparous species. Pregnancy lasts from 5 to 7 months. The female gives birth to from 20 to 50 cubs. The first molt is a week after birth.
Content. Horizontal type terrarium . The size for small species is 45-45 cm, for larger representatives the area is from 70-45 cm. Temperature Range during the day 24-28, at the warming point 33-35oC, at night not lower than 24oC. Humidity About 50-80% is supported. A permanent body of water is needed in which the snake can safely fit completely. Priming not required. Suitable substrates include paper, napkins, rubber mats, and bark. Shelter placed if necessary, spacious and twilight. Place it in a cool corner. Daylight hours are 12 hours. You need to install ultraviolet lamps 5-8% UVB power.
Feeding Before a year you can do it once every 5-7 days, after a year once every 10-14 days. Forage rodents and small birds are used as food. The size of the prey varies depending on the size of the snake itself - baby mice, newborn rats for small ones, mice, rats, mastomus, gerbils, guinea pigs for large individuals.
Common boas are popular inhabitants of home terrariums, the maintenance of which requires a careful approach. How to care for a common boa constrictor at home?
The description of common boas was first made in 1758. They did not perceive these snakes in any way: they were afraid of them, considered them monsters living in the jungle, attacking travelers, then they began to value their skin and perceive them only as material for expensive things. But today the attitude towards boa constrictors has changed, and that’s all more people keep them as pets.
The size and weight of common boas can vary greatly. The body length ranges from 100 to 500 centimeters, and these snakes can weigh from 1 to 15 kilograms.
The habitat of boas extends from Argentina to Mexico.
The diet of boas depends on their size; they can eat frogs, rodents, birds and other snakes, and the young also feed on insects. Sexual maturity in boas occurs at 3-5 years. Common boas are viviparous; fertility can range from 5 to 60 babies. Average duration life is about 20 years.
Types of boa constrictors kept in captivity
There are 3 types of boas most often kept in terrariums:
- A subgroup consisting of hybrids of the imperial boa with other subspecies;
- A subgroup consisting of artificially bred colored forms: black boas, albinos, striped boas;
- A subgroup consisting of individuals bred by breeding pure subspecies. This subgroup is most popular in Europe.
Terrarium for common boas
Young individuals are kept in completely transparent terrariums. The dimensions of the terrarium are 60 by 60 by 60 centimeters. Ventilation must be provided; for this purpose, holes are made on the back wall and gaps are left between the sliding doors.
Common boa constrictor in the exotarium of the Belgorod Zoo Adult boas are kept in frame terrariums, the base of which is made of plasterboard. The inside of the back wall is lined with polystyrene foam, as is the bottom. The remaining walls are made of glass and must open. They also provide ventilation through holes in the back wall and gaps between the glasses. The size of the terrarium for adult boas should not be less than 150 by 90 by 90 centimeters.
Incandescent lamps are used for lighting and heating the terrarium, but they must be protected so that the boa does not get burned.
In a terrarium with boa constrictors, a background temperature of 22 degrees is maintained, and in a warm corner, under a lamp, it should warm up to 40 degrees. There is no need to install special or ultrasonic lamps.
Large shavings can be placed at the bottom of the terrarium, but there should not be small sawdust in it, as they can get stuck in the nostrils of the boa constrictor and cause problems with the respiratory tract.
Young individuals often bury themselves in the substrate, so ordinary paper can be used.
Feeding the boas
It is necessary to feed boas so as not to overfeed them, since these snakes have weak stomachs and often have problems with regurgitation.
Boas can be fed a variety of food rodents and small chicks. If the boa constrictor for a long time feed one type of food, he may refuse food altogether.
Newborn boas are given 1 mouse every 7-10 days, later they begin to be fed 1 time every 14 days, but at the same time they are given 2 mice. At the age of about 1 year, pythons begin to be given young rats, they are fed every 10-14 days and given 1 rat. Adult females are fed once every 3 weeks, given 2 large rats, and males are given 1 large rat once every 3 weeks.
Boas must have access to clean water. If you use not just a drinking bowl, but a large container, then the boas will happily swim in it, so the water will have to be changed daily.
Genus: Boa Linnaeus, 1758 = Common [true] boas
Species: Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758 = Common boa constrictor
Imperial boa (Boa constrictor imperator)
English: Central american boa, Common boa
Appearance: Spectacularly colored snake 2-3 m long (up to 5.5 m). The main light brown, reddish or coffee background of the back is covered with wide dark brown intercepts with bright yellow spots inside, and on the sides there are diamond-shaped dark spots bordered by a light rim and with a yellow spot inside. However, the pattern on the body of the boa constrictor is so diverse that a number of other options can be described. In the sun, the scales of the boa constrictor sparkle with a strong metallic sheen, flowing and shimmering as the snake moves.
The imperial boa constrictor is found in forests and among bushes, in dry places, and enters the middle zones of the mountains.
During the breeding season, which occurs in different time in each subspecies, the common boa constrictor brings 15 to 64 live cubs up to 50 cm long. In two years they grow up to 3 m long and become sexually mature. 
Distribution: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, all Central American countries and Mexico
Differences between the sexes: There are no fundamental differences in the size and color of males and females. In males, the tail is long with a characteristic thickening at the base; from the anus it is cylindrical, then turns into a cone. Females have a shorter tail, without thickening at the base, and cone-shaped. In males, relatively large, claw-like rudiments of the hind limbs are clearly visible, located on the sides of the anus; in females they are smaller and less prominent. Females are usually more massive and larger than males.
Contents: For ordinary boas, a horizontal type terrarium for tropical animals is required. The minimum size of a terrarium for one snake is 130x60x90 cm (excluding the height of the lamp). The temperature is maintained using a thermal cord or thermal mat. In a warm corner during the day – up to 30-32°C, at night – 23-25°C. It is necessary to install a pond in the terrarium where the boa constrictor could calmly sit and soak during molting; you should also place strong shelves and wide snags on which the snake willingly crawls. Soil in the terrarium is not necessary, but you can use artificial, chemically inert, specialized coverings - mats or cover the bottom of the terrarium with filter paper. But it is best to purchase coconut flakes. The terrarium should be sprayed once a day warm water. You can also maintain humidity using a rain installation connected via a time relay and operating 2-3 times a day for 2-3 minutes, or a fog generator, which is placed in a reservoir for the duration of the humidification session. It's better to keep one at a time.
Feeding: In nature they feed on various mammals and birds, less often they eat lizards: iguanas and teiids.
In terrarium conditions, boas are fed, depending on size, laboratory mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, quails. Feeding regimen for adult snakes: once every 8-10 days - 7-9 adult rats, weighing 200-300 g, for young animals: 1-3 adult mice - once every 5 days or 1-2 rats, weighing 40- 60 g. Starter food for newborn boas: teenage mice or 5-6 day old rats. They drink water, for which it should be changed regularly in the artificial reservoir of the terrarium. Along with the feed, it is necessary to give various mineral supplements, for example: crushed eggshells, preparations containing calcium. You can add to the drinker mineral water("Borjomi"). Offer concentrated vitamin preparations with food no more than once a month. Give well-balanced reptile food according to instructions.
Breeding: Boas usually become sexually mature at the age of 3-4 years. However, sexually mature boas have been recorded at the age of 19 months. Ovoviviparous species. After being removed from wintering, the snakes are irradiated and fed, adding preparations containing vitamin “E” to the food for 2-3 weeks. The first sign of the beginning of the mating season is: refusal of food by males who do not feed during the entire period of sexual activity, 3-4 months. Males and females are placed next to each other. Copulation lasts a long time - from 1 to 10 hours. Boas can mate from September to March, the most productive matings are from November to January, births occur from March to September, most often in May-July. After mating, after 2-3 months, and sometimes earlier, females stop feeding and do not feed until birth, but there are exceptions to this rhythm. Sphagnum moss should be placed in the terrarium where the pregnant female is located and moistened regularly. The pond must be replaced with a drinking bowl in order to avoid the unwanted entry of newborns who have not emerged from the egg membrane into the water, where they can drown. After 150-215 days, with fertile mating, birth occurs. The female gives birth to from 7 to 60 cubs (on average about 20). The babies begin to feed after the first molt.
Additional information:
Life expectancy is up to 30-60 years. Boas are very diverse in color, both among subspecies and among representatives different populations. For example, subspecies B. c. occidentalis can be completely black, with a slight pattern and white spots. In zoos and private collections in Europe and former USSR received intersubspecific hybrids that successfully reproduced in the future, which played a negative role, since at present it is difficult to determine which animal is in the hands of a particular owner.
