Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor Snake

Facts about Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snakes "Scientific name for Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake is Boa constrictor constrictor". The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake have origins of Tropical South and Central America. Fear of snakes (ophiophobia). They are cold blooded reptiles and non-poisonous. The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake are mostly kept as pets though care should be taken since they are unpredictable. They are very strong, big and are believed to live for more than 20 years when kept in captivity.

The female Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake are larger than the males. Mature females of red-tailed boa constrictors are around 10 feet () whereas the males are around 8 feet () long. This is an average length though there are some instances when the Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake can grow up to 14 feet (4.2 meters) if kept in captivity.

The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake weight is determined by their locality though they can weigh up to 27 kgs (60 lbs) in adulthood. In fact among other species Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snakes are among the heaviest. Their newborns weigh around 2 ounces () and are 14 to 22 inches (35 to 55 cm). They grow very first and within a year they can be around 8 feet (2.4 meters)long.

The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake color also varies according to their locality. But in general they have brown, gray or cream base color, which are patterned with reddish brown saddles that become more visible towards the end of the tail. In fact this coloration is the one that gives the Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake their name. They have more red saddles than any other boa.

There have been reports of albinism in this species though it is common with Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake that are in captivity than the ones that are in the wild.

Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snakes can live in a wide variety of environment. They are seen in tropical, semi desert as well as to the rain-forest countries. But they prefer rain-forest because of the temperature, high humidity, variety of prey and the natural vegetation that offer hiding places. The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake love to stay near rivers and streams since they swim. Burrows of other animals are also preferable to them.

The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snakes don’t like interacting with other snakes. They are normally seen on their own and they are nocturnal. It is hard to see them basking during the day, but when the night temperature are too low, then you can see the Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake.

The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake are semi arboreal so only the young ones that have the pleasure of climbing trees. When the Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake grow up it becomes difficult because they are heavy.

The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake are very fast to bite especially when threatened. The ones in the shedding cycle are more aggressive as a way of defending themselves. There are other species that are believed to strike twice though others will just bite and walk away. The Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake bite is very painful though non-poisonous to humans.

Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snakes are ovoviviparous meaning that they give birth to live young ones. Their breeding season starts in April to August. They Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake are poligany and the males are the ones that try to locate the females. The female Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake emit a scent from their cloaca that attracts males. After this the males fight to mate with her and the sad thing is that the strong will always win.

The gestation period takes 100 to 120 days where the female Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snake gives birth to an average of 25 young ones. Red-tailed Boa Constrictor snakes are carnivorous and thus means they eat birds, lizards, rodents, rats and at time large mammals.