Common boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor, Boa constrictor). Common boa constrictor What does a boa constrictor eat?

Taxonomy

Latin name– Boa constrictor

English name– Red-tailed boa

Class– Reptiles or Reptiles (Reptilia)

Squad– Scaly (Squamata)

Suborder– Snakes (Serpentes)

Family– Pseudophod snakes (Boidae)

Genus– Boas (Boa)

Within its range, there are 8 subspecies that differ in color.

Conservation status

Common boa constrictor included in the Convention on international trade species wild fauna and flora – CITES II.

View and man.

In some countries South America Common boa constrictors are hunted for their skin and meat. In addition, these snakes are caught in quite a large quantities for keeping in captivity, not only in zoos, but also in the homes of private individuals. IN Lately Great success has been achieved in breeding these boas in captivity, thereby reducing the pressure on catching them in the wild. In some areas of their range, boas control the population of opossums, which are carriers of dangerous disease– leishmaniasis – to humans.

Often local residents they keep boas in houses and barns, where they destroy rats and mice.

Distribution and habitats

The range of the common boa constrictor is very extensive. This snake is distributed in South and Central America and the Lesser Antilles. Lifestyle in different parts The range is different and depends on the habitat.

Boa constrictor inhabits rain forests and river valleys, dry bush thickets, rises to the middle mountain belt. The southernmost subspecies lives in arid open spaces. However, the most preferred biotope is tropical rain forests.

Appearance

The common boa constrictor is a large snake, reaching 2.5-3 m, but sometimes there are individuals up to 5.5 m. Females are usually larger than males. The weight of the largest specimens can reach 27 kg, but usually females weigh 10-15 kg. The body is dense, with a large massive head. In general, the size depends on the subspecies and the abundance of food.

The coloring of the boa constrictor is bright and contrasting. The main background of the body is reddish-brown, light brown or brown. Dark brown or almost black stripes with bright yellow spots inside run along the back. On the sides of the body there are diamond-shaped dark spots, bordered by a light rim and light spots inside. Coloration is very variable and depends on geographical location. So the darkest, almost black boas live in Argentina, the reddest ones live in Brazil.

Lifestyle

The common boa constrictor leads both a terrestrial and arboreal lifestyle; it climbs well on vertical surfaces, which allows it to obtain food not only on the ground. However, young, lighter snakes climb trees; as they age and increase in weight, they hunt more often on the ground. Boas are usually found near rivers and streams and are excellent swimmers. They often occupy burrows of medium-sized mammals, where they hide from potential enemies. They are active at dusk and at night, but may bask in the sun during the day when night temperatures are too low.

Ordinary boa constrictors are quite calm, phlegmatic animals. According to the observations of specialists, individuals from Central America more irritable, hiss loudly and make threatening lunges when restless. Individuals from South America are calmer and easier to tame.

During molting, boas become more aggressive and cautious, as clouding of the eyes makes it difficult for them to orient themselves in space.

Outside mating season lead a solitary lifestyle.

Nutrition and feeding behavior

The prey of the common boa constrictor consists of mammals, birds, and sometimes other reptiles. These boas hunt from ambush, lying in cover and lying in wait for the prey. But they can also be active hunters, especially in places with insufficient quantities of suitable prey. Active hunting is more often observed at night. A boa constrictor kills its victim by squeezing it with the rings of its powerful body. In this case, the victim dies not from suffocation, as was previously believed, but from the lack of blood flow to the heart and brain. The boa constrictor's teeth help push prey down the throat, and the muscles of the body further into the stomach. Complete digestion of prey, depending on its size and ambient temperature, occurs within 4-6 days. After this, the snake may not eat from a week to several months due to low level metabolism.

Reproduction

The common boa constrictor reproduces during the dry season from April to August. These snakes are polygamous, so 1 male can mate with several females. Pregnancy lasts 5-6 months, after which live babies are born. They appear in the egg shell, which immediately breaks. Up to 40 cubs are born, measuring about 45 cm. After a week, young boas molt and then begin to feed on their own.

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 be noted to have more a long tail, with 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 . Size for small species 45-45 cm, for larger major representatives area 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.

Imperial boas are popular pets among terrarium hobbyists. Why are imperial boas so sought after as pets? Such love has a reason: they are different bright color, have perfect size and they have a calm disposition, which is very important when keeping snakes in captivity.

The imperial boa constrictor can safely be called a snake without flaws. Both beginners and experienced reptile lovers enjoy them.

Appearance of imperial boas

Not as large as tiger pythons, but they still have strong and muscular bodies.

In nature, imperial boas can reach a length of 1.5-5.5 meters. Although these boas have a powerful body, their heads are quite graceful. .

But in our country, boa constrictors are most often sold middle length, not exceeding 2 meters.

The body color is light, from head to tail there is a large clear pattern of spots of red and brown colors. Body color can range from beige, light brown to red, brown and almost black.

Distribution and habitats of the imperial boa constrictor

The habitat of imperial boas is huge: they live from Argentina to Mexico. On such large territory there are many reservoirs, rivers, lakes and mountains, that is, a variety of biotopes are created. This means that imperial boas are adapted to different conditions environment.

These snakes live in forests, open areas, mountains, and woodlands overgrown with bushes. That is this type quite environmentally plastic. In this regard, in some parts of their range, imperial boas lead a terrestrial lifestyle, while in others they lead a semi-arboreal lifestyle.

Keeping Imperial Boas

The main difficulty in keeping these boas is choosing the size of the terrarium. The terrarium should be large, but not as large as for mesh or tiger pythons. An adult can live in a terrarium measuring 100x50x50 centimeters. This is the size for an imperial boa constrictor average size, but it must be taken into account that their sizes can vary greatly. The minimum length of the dwelling should be about 50% of the length of the snake’s body, and the width can be 2 times less.

The terrarium is equipped with an ordinary incandescent mirror lamp. It is fixed in one corner so that in one part of the terrarium the temperature is at room temperature, and in the other it is maintained at 30-33 degrees. Boas should not get too hot, as in nature they live in lower tier forests. The temperature there is never too high.

Imperial boas live near water, so the terrarium must have a bathing area. The boa constrictor must fit completely in this container. Humidity is maintained by spraying, but the soil should not be wet. The humidity level is only raised slightly during the molting period of the boa constrictor.

The terrarium should contain all kinds of branches, climbing shelves, and vines; this is especially important for young, active individuals.

As the boa grows, the terrarium is increased. This rule is general when keeping all snakes, not just boa constrictors. Young animals can be kept in plastic containers measuring 60x40 centimeters, it is convenient and hygienic. Imperial boas about a meter in size thrive in such containers.

Sawdust and mulch are also suitable as substrates; you can also use a green mat and even newspapers.

Feeding imperial boas

Feeding these snakes is not difficult. They willingly agree to various rodents and birds. They also easily get used to defrosted food.

But when feeding boas, and especially young individuals, you should be careful, as they have very delicate digestion. Therefore overfeeding, too large food objects, overheated or, on the contrary, cold food can provoke regurgitation of food. This is very undesirable for snakes.

Most likely, this reason is the only drawback to keeping imperial boas.

Breeding Imperial Boas

There is still much controversy regarding stimulation of mating in snakes. Sometimes it is enough to arrange a winter quarters and place different-sex individuals together. Sometimes it may be necessary to compete and add another male to the pair, and sometimes they simply put the moistened skin of a competitor into the terrarium.

In some cases, mating occurred only when the atmospheric pressure. Sometimes the terrarium is sprayed, simulating the rainy season.

And some breeders are intentionally rude to males during this period, which stimulates their activity. Sometimes the males do not pay attention to the female until she moults, and immediately after she moults they begin to mate. As already noted, there is no consensus on this issue, and many breeders resort to different methods.

After wintering, snakes begin to be given food. The female is placed next to the males in turn. Almost immediately, the males begin courtship, in which the male, with the help of his “spurs,” tickles the female, stimulating her activity. Too active males can sometimes injure the female with their spurs, but such cases are extremely rare.

Pregnant females change their behavior: they spend more time warming up, and can even roll over on their side and back. In the first few months of pregnancy, they feed actively, and then refuse food. This is the main sign of a successful pregnancy. Further, the rear part of the body increases in females, but during the first pregnancy and a small clutch, such changes may not be observed.

They try not to disturb pregnant females. The male and all driftwood are removed from the terrarium so that she does not fall.

You must try to endure optimal temperature so that the female does not overheat and freeze. Hygienic paper towels are used as soil. The bathing suit is removed because the female may begin to give birth in the water and the babies will die. A shallow drinking bowl is placed in its place.

Imperial boas are viviparous. Pregnancy lasts 5-7 months, after this period the female gives birth to babies in a thin membrane, which they immediately break through and come into the light. But not all small snakes manage to break through the shell, then they may die.

Babies have remnants of the yolk sac connected to the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord falls off after 2-5 days. At first, newborns look weak and seem inactive, but after a couple of days they are able to fend for themselves, even trying to bite. After a week or two, they molt and begin to feed themselves.

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The common boa constrictor is a nocturnal and crepuscular animal (active at dawn and dusk). IN northern And southern regions Boas hibernate for several weeks to wait out cold or dry seasons. Boas living in tropical forests With high humidity active throughout the year.

In the first year of life, the boa constrictor will grow from 35-55 cm by 300%, reaching a length of 1.5-1.8 m. In the second year, the boa constrictor will grow by another 0.9-1.2 m. After the second year, the growth of the boa constrictor slows down . Females give birth to 10-60 boas after a gestational period of 4-10 months (depending on temperature and other factors). Unlike others large snakes, the female boa constrictor does not give birth every year.

At the time of buying boa constrictor Choose a reptile with clear, clean skin. The boa constrictor should be round in shape, the anal area holes must be clean, eyes clear. When a healthy boa constrictor is picked up, it begins to actively move its tongue. Like pythons, boas have anal spurs - claws located on both sides. parties anus, which are the vestigial remains of the hind legs. Males have longer anal spurs than females. Females and males differ slightly in behavior and character. From of all boa constrictors, the common boa constrictor is the least aggressive.

To keep your boa constrictor, choose a terrarium specifically designed for snakes. With lid closing on top. Snakes often escape from terrariums, especially boa constrictors, as they are strong. When your boa constrictor is more than two years old, he will need to be moved to another terrarium, which you can build yourself from wood and glass (plexiglass), or buy a special terrarium for large reptiles. Big snakes need a big terrarium!

Paper towels are used as a substrate first, as they are easy to remove and replace with new ones when they become dirty. On paper it is easy to notice the presence of mites (if they appear) and to control the quality of the boa constrictor’s feces. Once the boa has grown, you can use decorative Astroturf or a covering made from split cypress or spruce bark instead of paper. Pine and cedar sawdust should not be used because they stick to food and can enter the mouth and respiratory tract of the boa constrictor, thereby creating many health problems. All wet and dirty parts of the substrate should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent height fungi and bacteria.

Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor)

In the terrarium, the boa constrictor should have secret places where it will hide. For these purposes, you can use logs, empty cardboard boxes, an opaque plastic container, etc. All, which is easy to replace with a new one or easy to clean. Most boa constrictors like to hang from branches, so be sure to place strong branches in the terrarium that will support the weight of the boa (the branches must be sanded and disinfected!). If you use stones and bricks to build a cave, make sure it is firmly held together, as boa constrictors are very strong and can easily destroy such construction and thereby cause yourself various injuries.

The air temperature in the terrarium should be 28-32’C, with a heating area in which the temperature reaches up to 32-35’C. At night the temperature should drop to 26-30’C. You can heat the terrarium using an electric heating pad, which is placed under half of the terrarium. To provide additional temperature, some owners use light bulbs that are placed on top (the boa should not touch them, otherwise he will get burned!). All snakes are very susceptible to burns; for the same reason, hot stones should not be used to heat the terrarium. To measure temperature you will need two thermometers: the first arrange at a height of 2.5 cm above the substrate (cool half of the terrarium), and the second at the same height, but on the warm half. It is advisable to place a third thermometer- at the top of the heating zone. Once your boa constrictor has grown, it is best to use a thermostat to control the temperature.

Full spectrum UV lamps can be used to illuminate the terrarium.

After purchasing a young boa constrictor, give it two weeks to acclimatize to the new home. During this time, give him one 10-day-old rat (the rodent must be dead). Smaller boas are given small mice; large snakes can eat large rats. The basic rule in feeding boas is that the size of the food should not be wider than the widest part of the snake. If a boa constrictor is fed too much prey, it will regurgitate the food after a few days.

In captivity, snakes are often overfed, especially pythons and boa constrictors, because they do not have the opportunity to move and spend calories.

Inside the terrarium there should always be fresh water, the boa constrictor will drink and bathe in it. The water needs to be changed frequently as it gets dirty. Before molting, you can offer the boa a warm bath.

After purchasing a young boa constrictor, begin to accustom it to yourself. Handle the boa constrictor carefully; at first it may run away from you and hiss. Be persistent and gentle. Daily contact with the boa constrictor will establish a trusting relationship between you and the snake. When communicating with a boa constrictor, it is not advisable to make sudden movements. If the snake is wrapped around your arm or neck, grab it by the tail and gently begin to spin it (do not try to spin the snake from its head, as the snake may be stronger than you).

There should always be emergency supplies in the house that will be useful in different situations: nolvasan (for disinfection of substrate, objects, water dishes, etc.), betadine (treatment of wounds and scratches), sponges, spare water dish, etc.

Translation: Zooschool - www.zooschool.ru

Imperial boa(Boa constrictor emperor)

Class - reptiles
Order - scaly

Family - pseudopods

Genus – common boa constrictors

Appearance

A spectacularly colored snake 2-3 m long. 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.

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.

Habitat

Distribution: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, all Central American countries and Mexico

The imperial boa constrictor is found in forests and among bushes, in dry places, and enters the middle zones of the mountains.

Lifestyle

The imperial boa constrictor is a calm, phlegmatic animal, easily becomes tame, and does not bite unless it is hungry.

It climbs trees well, in some parts of its range it leads a semi-arboreal lifestyle, and in others it is purely terrestrial. Spends the day in crevices, forest rubble and other shelters, hunting in twilight, night and morning hours. It swims well and can stay in water for a very long time. Residents of cities and towns keep boa constrictors in their houses, where they hunt rodents.

Reproduction

During the breeding season, the imperial 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.

There are no difficulties with breeding the imperial boa constrictor. If the snakes are healthy, after preparation (lowering the temperature to 18 C, shortening the duration daylight hours up to 6-8 hours) or even without it they mate in February - March. Up to 60 young, with a length of 35 to 50 cm, are born 150-210 days after the first mating. They molt for the first time 1-3 weeks after birth. There are no problems with raising young animals - immediately after the first moult, boas begin to eat mice, grow quickly and reach maturity by 3 years.

Boas live in captivity for about 10 years, but sometimes much longer - up to 23 years.