Boas are a separate group of reptiles that differ in the way they get food. While hunting, these reptiles do not bite their prey. Instead, they entangle the victim and kill with a special choke hold. Anacondas and pythons kill their prey in the same way. To date, ten subspecies of the common boa constrictor are known to science. Among themselves, they differ in skin color, size and habitat. For all its danger to various kinds of animals, the boa constrictor is relatively safe for humans, it often becomes a favorite pet.
In this article we will look at a photo of an ordinary boa constrictor and talk about the features of his life. Where he lives and what he eats, you will find out by reading it.
Description of the common boa constrictor
The boa constrictor is a relatively large reptile. The average length of such an animal is three meters, but five meters are also found.instances. At the same time, females are larger than males. Their weight can vary from 10 to 15 kilograms. However, individuals of the common imperial boa constrictor are known to science, the weight of which reached 30 kg. It is noteworthy that the size of the reptile depends on the subspecies.
The body of the common boa constrictor is dense and crowned with a massive head. The color is quite contrasting. The main color can be green, brown or bright brown. Dark spots pass over it. Their tone can also vary from yellow to black. The color of the common boa constrictor directly depends on the habitat. For example, the Argentine subspecies has a very dark color, while the Brazilian subspecies has a light, sandy tint.
Sex differences of the boa constrictor
Male boa constrictor differs from females in smaller sizes. But this is not their only difference. Males have a tail with a thickening at the base. From the anus, it has a cylindrical shape, gradually turning into a cone. Females, however, have a shorter tail without any thickening.
The main difference between the males lies in their pronounced claw rudiments of the hind limbs. They are located on the sides of the anus. In females, they are almost invisible.
Where they live
These large reptiles are quite widespread in the United States and the Lesser Antilles. The lifestyle of the common boa constrictor may vary depending on the habitat.
These reptiles prefer to live on the branches of trees in humid forests, in river valleys and densebush thickets. Some southern varieties live in open spaces.
Feeding the boa constrictor
In America, there are often locals who breed these reptiles specifically for hunting rodents. This is no coincidence, because mice, rats, opossums and other small animals form the basis of the boa's diet. In addition, these snakes are not averse to eating birds and amphibians. Sometimes the largest species of boas even attack antelopes.
If this reptile lives near human habitation, pets and livestock can become its victims. A boa constrictor can easily overcome a dog or a pig. During the hunt, the snake grabs the prey and wraps around it. After that, the rings around the victim begin to shrink and break the bones. Thanks to this feature, the boa constrictor can swallow food whole without fear of damaging the esophagus.
It is noteworthy that when a boa constrictor lacks food, it can swallow even a large turtle. The snake will also not refuse small reptiles and insects. Large locusts, darklings and lizards are a real delicacy for the boa constrictor.
Varieties of this reptile living along the shores of the Amazon can swallow animals of a very large size. Such prey can exceed even the boa constrictor in weight. It can be deer, wild boars and even crocodiles.
Boa constrictor, unlike other types of snakes, prefers to hunt at night. This is due to the fact that the reptile has powerful receptors. Thanks to them, the boa constrictor can feel the warmth of the victim onvery long distances.
Reproduction
Common boa reaches puberty in the fourth year of life. The breeding season for these reptiles depends on the habitat and subspecies. The female's pregnancy lasts up to ten months.
During the mating season, boas hardly hunt. Applicants for procreation are located near the female. At this time, a kind of fights take place between them. They push and bite each other. When the winner is revealed, he flirts with the female for several hours. At this time, he rubs his body against her and tingles with rudimentary limbs. The mating process itself can be carried out on the ground or on the branches of trees. It depends on the subspecies of the boa constrictor.
Almost all varieties of this reptile are ovoviviparous. This suggests that during reproduction they show signs of both live birth and egg production. It is noteworthy that during pregnancy, eggs develop inside the female. It does not make nests or lay them like other types of snakes. She carries them all the time in her womb.
The embryo is provided with nutrition from the egg yolk and has nothing to do with the female's metabolism. From the eggs, the cubs emerge while inside the mother, and already fully formed snakes are born. For 4-5 days they are interconnected by the umbilical cord. Then she falls away.
The number of cubs born can vary greatly: from 5 to 60 individuals. It depends on the subspecies of the boa constrictor. Notably, newbornssnakes from the first days lead an independent life.
Lifespan
The common boa constrictor grows throughout its life. In the natural environment, the age of these snakes can reach 25-27 years. Instances that live in artificial conditions can live up to 40 years. This is possible if the terrarium for the common boa has the right size and the necessary temperature conditions are maintained in it.
Boa constrictor can often be seen in various films, where he appears as a terrible predatory monster attacking people. But in reality, this is not at all the case. History knows only isolated cases of attacks by this reptile on people. For the most part, they do not pose a significant threat to humans.
