Facts on the Amazon Tree Boa
Amazon tree boas (Corallus hortulanus) exhibit a wide variety of color and pattern morphs and are relatively long-lived in captivity, with an average lifespan of approximately 20 years. These traits make Amazon tree boas much sought-after pets for reptile lovers, though their uneven and often aggressive temperament makes them ill-suited for novice snake owners, according to the Drs. Foster & Smith educational staff.
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Subspecies
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There are two separate subspecies of Amazon tree boas: Corallus hortulanus hortulanus and Corallus hortulanus cooki. Corallus hortulanus hortulanus can be found in French Guiana, Guyana, the Amazon rain forest and the southeastern part of Brazil.
Corallus hortulanus cooki, meanwhile, resides in Columbia, Venezuela, the southern part of Central America, Trinidad and Tobago and the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenada Bank.
Identification
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The Amazon tree boa has variable coloration and patterning, but typically has a pale brown to almost black base color, with some red or yellow occasionally present. They have bands or blotches, which are normally black, across their backs. Amazon tree boas are long, slender snakes that can reach lengths of up to 6 feet from head to tail. These snakes have proportionally large triangular heads and bulging eyes that vary in color from red or yellow to gray.
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Habitat
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Amazon tree boas fare well in a variety of habitats, but can typically be found in the trees of humid forests, like rain forests. Though they prefer areas of high humidity, Amazon tree boas can thrive in drier areas as well. According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Amazon tree boas can be found in savannas and dry forests in addition to rain forests.
Diet
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Amazon tree boas are ambush predators in the wild, waiting motionlessly in trees for prey to pass before striking and killing through constriction. The diet of the Amazon tree boa is composed of birds, small mammals, lizards and bats. These snakes hunt by sight during the day. When hunting at night, Amazon tree boas use the pit organs above their mouths to detect any heat from potential prey.
Behavior
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The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology notes that Amazon tree boas are very aggressive, even in captivity. Amazon tree boas may bite without warning, and with minimal provocation. Amazon tree boas are nonvenomous, but pet owners should still use caution when handling or interacting with these snakes.
Amazon tree boas are solitary and primarily nocturnal, though they can be active during the day.
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