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  Common Name(s): Boa Constrictor   BOA CONSTRICTOR    
 
Latin Name: Boa constrictor
 
Description: Long snakes (6-9ft) with distinctive markings depending on habitat they are trying to blend in with. They can be tan, green, yellow with patterns of jagged lines, ovals, diamonds or circles.
 
Range: Central and South America .
 
Habitat: Varied habitats including wet tropical forests, open savannah and deserts. Can be both terrestrial and arboreal.
 
Diet: Carnivore. Diet consists of birds and mammals.
 

Care in Captivity: Provide a large escape-proof vivarium. Provide a hide/basking shelf. A large water bowl for drinking/soaking should also be provided. Newspaper is the most practical substrate as it is easy to clean and replace and the snake will not accidentally ingest it. Temperatures should be in the range of 29-30C with a high of 31-35C at one end. The large water bowl will provide sufficient humidity, although do not place it at the hot end, as this will result in excessive humidity. Food items should vary in size depending on the size of the snake, newborns should be fed weaned mice and adults large rats. As boas produce a lot of waste it is better to clean the vivarium regularly, rather than spot cleaning.
 
Fact: Boas have heat sensing pits on their faces that allow them to sense the body heat of their prey.