How to Identify a Boa Constrictor

A boa constrictor is a snake in the Boidae family. The term "boa" comes from the Latin "bos," meaning cow, referring to a myth that boas would pursue cows and suckle from them. About 27 species of boa exist within nine genera, but the term boa constrictor is the common and scientific name for one particular species. The following steps will show how to identify a boa constrictor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find the boa constrictor in a wide range from Argentina to northern Mexico. It is best adapted to tropical rain forest but also may be found in cane fields, savannas and scrublands.

2. Learn the distinctive features of boa constrictors. Like most boas, they have two functioning lungs and vestiges of hind limbs indicating a closer relationship with lizards than most other snakes.

3. Find an anal spur on each side of the cloaca. The anal spur is an external claw on the vestigial legs that primarily assists in mating. It also causes injuries during combat but this appears to be incidental.

4. Look at the size of a boa constrictor, which varies considerably. In some habitats boas rarely exceed three feet, while in the jungles of Venezuela it reaches 20 feet and is exceeded in size only by the anaconda.

5. Observe the feeding habits of the boa. It is an ambush predator and a good swimmer, so it usually waits near a riverbank for prey to come within striking range.

Resources

• Learn more about identifying boa constrictors.